Two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande advanced in the Asian Champions League playoffs on the away-goal rule, and Kawasaki Frontale reached the quarterfinals for the first time in eight years on Tuesday.
Guangzhou, 1-0 winners over Kashima Antlers in the first leg of the round of 16, lost the second leg 2-1 but got an all-important away goal thanks to Paulinho's equaliser after halftime.
Kashima won 2-1 thanks to an injury-time goal by substitute Mu Kanazaki but Paulinho's was decisive.
Kawasaki gave the J-League some better news by defeating visitors Muangthong United of Thailand 4-1 for an aggregate 7-2 win.
Kawasaki led 3-0 at halftime. They have never passed the quarterfinals.
Also progressing were 2006 finalists Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates, who eliminated Esteghlal of Iran 6-2 on aggregate after a 6-1 win in the second leg.
Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia reached their first quarters since 2013 after beating their UAE namesakes 3-1 in the second leg to win 4-2 on aggregate.
