A total of 551,077 people have turned up to watch the 48 matches played so far in Asia’s premier club competition setting a new average record of 11,481 spectators per game.

Last year’s average attendance was the highest since the tournament’s inception in 2002-03 with 1,037,702 people watching 94 matches at an average of 11,039.

Iranian champions Esteghlal’s 3-0 victory over Qatar’s Al Gharafa drew a record 60,000 fans to Tehran’s Azadi Stadium while their goalless draw with UAE’s Al Jazira on the second match day was watched by 32,000 spectators at the same venue.

Beijing’s Workers Stadium hosted 31,000 people who turned up to watch Beijing Guoan edge past Australia’s Melbourne Victory 1-0 on the first match day last month.