Goulart inspires Guangzhou to edge Kashima in thriller

Zhao Xuri of China's Guangzhou Evergrande, left, celebrates after scoring a goal against Japan's Kashima Antlers during their 2015 AFC Champions League Group H third round match in Guangzhou city, South China's Guangdong province, March 18, 2015. [Photo/IC]

In West Asia, Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli went three points clear at the top in Group D after they beat Iran's Tractorsazi 2-0.

Taisir al-Jassim was Al Ahli's hero as he struck in the 72nd and 80th minute to help his team score their second win in three matches.

UAE's Al Ahli, however, remained at the bottom of the group after a goalless draw with Uzbekistan's Nasaf.

In Group B, UAE's Al Ain secured a valuable away win, beating Uzbek giants Pakhtakor 1-0 in Tashkent to go top.

Slovakian Miroslav Stoch scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute, but was sent off with 15 minutes remaining.

The 2003 Asian champions dominated the game despite the absence of star players Asamoah Gyan and Omar Abdulrahman, and went ahead when Stoch's long-range shot beat Pakhtakor goalkeeper Alexander Lobanov all ends up.