Guangzhou Evergrande goal-machine Muriqui paid tribute to "world-class" manager Marcello Lippi as the runaway Chinese leader prepared to resume its quest for Asian glory today.

Brazil's Muriqui, top-scorer in the AFC Champions League with eight goals, said the Chinese champion had matured under the World Cup-winning Italian as it looks to reach the semifinals for the first time.

Guangzhou, 14 points clear in the Chinese Super League, hosts Qatar's Lekhwiya in the first leg of the quarterfinals today.

"I believe this season Guangzhou are stronger than last year because we are more stable, mature and confident," said Muriqui.

"And we have a world-class coaching team. Marcello Lippi is one of the best coaches in the world and he brings with him advanced training and tactical theory to Guangzhou.

"As a rigorous team manager, he infects a winning mentality into every Evergrande player and assists the team to become stronger and stronger."

Chinese teams have struggled to make an impression at this level with Liaoning's 1990 Asian Club Championship win the country's only success so far in a continental club tournament.

But with Evergrande spending heavily over the past three years to build a strong squad under the guidance of Lippi, there is genuine hope that it can correct that dismal record in just its second appearance in the AFC Champions League.

Evergrande has yet to concede a goal at home in this year's competition but Lekhwiya, coached by Belgian Eric Gerets, could pose a stern test for the home side. "We do not know a lot about Lekhwiya, but I am sure that they are a great team," said Muriqui.

The game at Guangzhou is one of four intriguing East versus West clashes today as the race hots up to succeed South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai as Asian club champion.

In Japan, Emperor's Cup-holder Kashiwa Reysol will take on Saudi Arabia's al-Shabab while in Tehran, Iranian champion Esteghlal tackles Thai league leader Buriram United.

Also, Saudi side al-Ahli, last year's runner-up, hosts Korean champion FC Seoul.