Defending champions Pohang Steelers know they will need to be at their best to reach the knock-out stages of the 2010 AFC Champions League after being named in a tricky group in today's draw.

The South Korean side are in Group H alongside 2008 A-League runners-up Adelaide United, Chinese side Shandong Luneng and the winners of the Japanese Emperor's Cup, which will be decided on January 1. Reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory have been drawn in Group E - possibly the toughest in the East Asian part of the draw - where they will face Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Korea Republic), Beijing Guoan (China) and Kawasaki Frontale (Japan).

Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said: "Having competed in the ACL once, we are all eagerly anticipating another opportunity and Seongnam, Beijing and Kawasaki will provide a great challenge come February next year." Two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia are in Group B along with Luiz Felipe Scolari's Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan), Zob Ahan (Iran) and the West Asian play-off winner.

South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors, who were crowned K-League champions at the weekend, are in Group F alongside J.League champions Kashima Antlers, Persipura Jaya (Indonesia) and Changchun Yatai (China). Former winners Gamba Osaka of Japan are in Group G with newcomers Henan Jianye (China), Suwon Bluewings (Korea Republic) and the East Asian play-off winners.

Iranian's Sepahan will be pleased with their draw having been named in Group C with Al Ain (UAE), Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia) and Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan). Sepahan successfully navigated through a group that contained Al Ain and Al Shabab in 2007. Finally, Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia), Al Gharafa (Qatar), Al Jazira (UAE) and Esteghlal (Iran) make up Group A while Group D consists of Al Ahli (UAE), Al Sadd (Qatar), Mes Kerman (Iran) and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia).