Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the thrilling world of the AFC Champions League Elite! A Saudi League trio has just wrapped up the West Region league stage with a bang!
In a highly anticipated finish, three Roshn Saudi League clubs have secured their spots in the top four, setting the stage for an intense knockout phase. But here's where it gets controversial...
Al Hilal, the current leaders of the RSL, emerged as the undisputed champions of the West Region, finishing with an impressive 22 points out of a possible 24. They qualified for the knockouts as the only unbeaten team in the entire competition, a feat that has left football enthusiasts in awe.
Al Ahli, the reigning Asian champions, joined Al Hilal at the summit, creating an RSL one-two finish on the western side. Their Jeddah rivals, Al Ittihad, the reigning Saudi champions, managed to secure the fourth spot, adding to the excitement.
The trio will now advance to the last 16, with matches scheduled for next month, featuring home and away legs. Just like last year, the tournament's closing rounds, from the quarter-finals to the final, will be hosted in Jeddah, promising an unforgettable experience for football fans.
Let's take a closer look at how these three teams earned their spots in the knockouts and the challenges that await them in the next round:
Al Hilal:
The record four-time Asian champions dominated the West Region, remaining undefeated throughout the campaign. Al Hilal's impressive record includes seven victories in eight matches, with their only dropped points coming from a goalless draw against Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE. Simone Inzaghi's side wrapped up the league phase with a thrilling 2-1 victory at home against Al Wahda, with Darwin Nunez, the new signing from Liverpool, scoring both goals at Kingdom Arena.
Al Ahli:
The current title-holders demonstrated their determination to retain their crown, finishing second in the West Region, just behind their RSL rivals, Al Hilal. Al Ahli, currently third in the 2025-26 Saudi top flight, won five out of their eight continental games, losing only twice. Their impressive defensive performance has been a key factor in their journey to defend the trophy. With 21 goals, including a remarkable haul in their 4-3 victory against Shabab Al Ahli, Matthias Jaissle's men rank as the second-highest scorers in the 2025-26 tournament, trailing only their Jeddah rivals, Al Ittihad.
Last-16 Match-up: Al Duhail (Qatar)
Al Ittihad:
The top scorers of the league phase, with an impressive 22 goals, are on a mission to claim their third Asian crown and their first since their back-to-back titles in 2005. After a slow start, losing the opening two matchdays, Al Ittihad staged a remarkable comeback, winning five out of their remaining six fixtures. Their brilliant recovery culminated in a 4-1 triumph away to Qatar's Al Sadd on Tuesday night. New signings Youssef En Nesyri and Stephane Keller have been instrumental in their success, with both players finding the back of the net in their recent appearances.
The stage is set for an epic last-16 showdown, and the question remains: Who will emerge victorious? Join the conversation and share your predictions! Don't forget to voice your opinions in the comments and engage in a friendly debate with fellow football enthusiasts. Will the RSL trio continue their dominant run, or will other teams challenge their supremacy? The fate of the AFC Champions League Elite hangs in the balance!
