The country has three representatives in the quarter-finals of Asia's premier club competition.

As defending champions, Urawa have a direct berth into the last eight, where they are joined by Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers.

Also advancing to the knock-out stages are Kuruvchi of Uzbekistan, Saipa of Iran, Al Karama of Syria, Al Qadisiya of Kuwait and Adelaide United.

It means that for the first time since 2003, when Al Ain clinched the inaugural title, there will be no representation from the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia and Korea also miss out for the first time since 2004, as do China, another traditional power in the competition.

No Japanese club managed to advance past the group stage until Urawa and Kawasaki Frontale last year, but they have clearly started to take the competition very seriously, judging by the results of Gamba and Kashima.

Gamba earned a fortunate 1-1 draw in their Group G opener at home to Thai champions Chonburi before reeling off four straight victories, including two dramatic 4-3 away wins, to seal qualification with a game to spare.

Kashima had no problems with the minnows in Group F, scoring 27 goals in their four meetings against Thailand'sKrung Thai Bank and Vietnamese side Nam Dinh.

However, the battle for first place went down to the final day after a 1-0 loss at Beijing Guoan, although Kashima's healthy goal difference gave them the advantage over the Chinese side.

And while Kashima got the job done with a 4-0 thumping of Nam Dinh, Beijing's 5-3 loss to Krung Thai Bank signalled the end of their campaign.

Group E provided the most dramatic finish as leaders Adelaide United travelled to China for their final game against second-placed Changchun Yatai, who needed a win to advance.

Despite intense pressure from the hosts, Aurelio Vidmar's side held out for a goalless draw which made them the first Australian team to clinch a place in the knock-out stage.

It will be the first appearance in the knock-out stage for Kashima, Gamba and Adelaide along with tournament newcomers Kuruvchi and Saipa.

Kuruvchi belied their lack of experience on the continental stage by topping a tough Group A that included two-time Champions League winners Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia and last year's runners-up Sepahan of Iran.

The Uzbek side lost 1-0 in their opener against Al Ittihad, but then reeled off four straight wins, sealing their place in the last eight with a game to spare after a 2-0 home victory against the Saudis.

Saipa were equally dominant in Group B and finished four points clear after a 1-0 victory over Al Kuwait in their penultimate game.

In Group C, Al Karama became only the third team after former champions Al Ain and Al Ittihad to qualify for the knock-out stage for three consecutive years.

The Syrian club appeared to have a quarter-final spot in the bag after winning three of their first four games, but had to endure a nervous finish as they played out a goalless draw with Saudi side Al Ahli in their last game.

Finally, Al Qadisiya made it to the quarter-finals for the second time in three years despite failing to impress in Group D.

The Kuwaiti side enjoyed a fortunate 1-0 away win against Uzbek side Pakhtakor in their opener and after a series of close results, secured their place in the knock-out stage by holding Pakhtakor to a 2-2 draw in their penultimate match.