A qualifier via the Play-offs, the A-League side comprehensively defeated Bali United of Indonesia before stunning 2018 winners Kashima Antlers in Japan to reach the Group Stage for the eighth time.
Arguably the most popular side in their homeland, Melbourne have been less impressive on the continent with Round of 16 qualification in 2016 – when they lost to eventual winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors – the best they have managed.
Last season's third place finish would have been disappointing for one of the most successful sides domestically in Australia and their 2019/2020 A-League form sees them in the lower end of the table, yet that impressive play-off elimination of Kashima could point to bigger things to come in 2020.
Chiangrai United, meanwhile, are one of the success stories in Thai football, developing into a major force in the Southeast Asian country in recent years. They won back-to-back Thai FA Cups in 2017 and 2018, and a League Cup in the latter, less than a decade after they were founded.
The Beetles’ rise continued last year when they finished ahead of perennial champions Buriram United by virtue of a better head-to-head record after a dramatic final day of the season.
The northern Thai side have previously twice come close to qualifying for the AFC Champions League, narrowly losing 1-0 in the play-offs to Shanghai SIPG in 2018 and then on penalties against Sanfrecce Hiroshima last year.
This time round, however, there was no need for play-off heartbreak, qualifying directly for their maiden AFC Champions League.
Melbourne Victory (AUS) vs Chiangrai United (THA)
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: February 11, 19:35 UTC+11
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: February 11, 19:35 UTC+11
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