The AFC Champions League Playoff took place on Tuesday night with Kashiwa Reysol recording a 3-0 win over Thailand’s Muangthong United to qualify for the main tournament.

After failing to capitalise on their first half chances, the hosts took the lead at Kashiwa Stadium through Cristiano’s opening goal.

The Brazilian scored again in the 62nd minute, with Junya Ito recording his own goal shortly before full time to clinch the result and send Reysol to their first continental appearance in three years.

The 2013 semifinalists will join South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors, Hong Kong’s Kitchee, and China’s Tianjin Quanjian in Group E. 

Reysol will additionally receive a bye to the 2018 J.League YBC Levain Cup knockout stage, with Albirex Niigata taking their place in Group A.