Editing AFC Champions League (section)

== How the AFC Champions League Works: Format and Structure ==
The AFC Champions League operates in a format that is similar to the UEFA Champions League, with group stages followed by knockout rounds. Here's a detailed breakdown of how the competition works:

=== 1. Qualification ===
Clubs qualify for the AFC Champions League based on their performance in their respective domestic leagues and cup competitions. The number of spots allocated to each country depends on their performance in continental competitions over the past few years, with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia generally receiving the most spots.

=== 2. Group Stage ===
The tournament begins with a '''group stage''', consisting of 32 teams divided into eight groups. Each group contains four teams, who compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. The group stages are held in a home-and-away format, ensuring that all teams get the opportunity to play on their home turf.

=== 3. Knockout Stage ===
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group move on to the knockout stage, which is a home-and-away format as well. The teams face off in the '''Round of 16''', followed by the '''Quarterfinals''', '''Semifinals''', and finally, the '''Final'''. The team with the most goals on aggregate across the two legs wins the tie and advances to the next round.

=== 4. Final ===
The '''AFC Champions League Final''' is played between the two last-standing teams, with the winner being crowned the champion of Asia. The final is usually held at a neutral venue, though the home team is determined by the higher seed in the knockout rounds.