Guangzhou Evergrade is the Chinese Premier League champion and showed why in a comprehensive win that looks sure to ensure its progress after the quarter-final first leg.
It was handed the lead on a silver platter when Kashiwa Reysol skipper Daisuke Suzuki put the ball into the back of his own net after only five minutes.
One became two when Brazil midfielder Paulinho, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, showed off his considerable talent, lashing home a 40-yard free kick that bent its way into the far corner of the net.
Guangzhou took its 2-0 lead into the break, one which it quickly added to in the second period.
Gaoi Lin scored to make it 3-0, and only a late consolation by Kashiwa striker Masato Kudo gave it a glimmer of hope heading into the second leg.
Saudi side Al Hilal scored thrice in the first half against Qatari club Lekhwiya.
Brazillian forward Ailton opened the scoring early on, and although Lekhwiya equalised through Youssef M'Sakni, that was as as good as it got for the visitor.
Khalid Al Kabi scored just after the hour mark for Al Hilal, and then Carlos Eduardo made it three just a few minutes later.
Eduardo's second in the final few minutes put the result of the game, and probably the tie, beyond doubt.
