The AFC Champions League Elite finals kick off in Jeddah this Friday, with Saudi Arabia’s top clubs—Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli—firmly in the spotlight as they chase continental glory on home soil.
The revamped tournament, running from April 25 to May 3 at the 62,000-capacity King Abdullah Sports City, features a new format and the promise of high drama as the region’s football powerhouses vie for the title.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr headline the Saudi contingent, with the 40-year-old Portuguese star seeking his first Asian crown in the twilight of a glittering career.
Ronaldo has already netted seven goals in this season’s competition and remains a central figure for coach Stefano Pioli’s side, who are determined to improve on last year’s quarter-final exit.
“I always have great confidence in the players because of our hard work in training,” Pioli said, emphasizing the team’s belief and preparation.
Al Nassr’s path to the final begins with a quarter-final against Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos, who have struggled domestically and recently sacked manager Steve Holland.
Despite their league woes, Yokohama topped the East Zone and impressed in the last 16, but interim boss Patrick Kisnorbo faces a daunting task against the Saudi giants2.
Al Hilal, the most successful club in Asian history with four titles, enter the knockout rounds unbeaten and stacked with European talent, including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Neves.
They face South Korean debutants Gwangju, with technical director Jang Ki-bong acknowledging the strength of West Asian teams but pledging a fearless approach.
Al Ahli, also unbeaten, boast a star-studded attack featuring Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez. Their quarter-final against Thailand’s Buriram United could set up an all-Saudi semi-final with Al Hilal.
Mahrez highlighted the advantage of playing on home soil, stating, “Holding the finals in Jeddah will help us, and we will give everything we have to win the title”.
With Saudi clubs dominating the West Zone and a host of international stars on display, the stage is set for a fiercely contested AFC Champions League Elite finale, as the kingdom aims to underline its growing influence in Asian football.
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