Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr headline a trio of ambitious Saudi Arabian clubs chasing AFC Champions League glory as the competition's final stages kick off this Friday in Jeddah.
In a revamped edition now called the AFC Champions League Elite, Saudi Arabia will host the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final from April 25 to May 3 at the 62,000-seat King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The tournament has taken on added intrigue this year with the rise of Saudi clubs as continental powerhouses, fuelled by major financial backing and marquee signings from Europe. Al Nassr, along with Al Hilal and Al Ahli, are considered top contenders to capture the Asian crown.
All three Saudi clubs dominated the West Zone during the group stages. Al Hilal and Al Ahli both remained unbeaten, while Ronaldo’s Al Nassr closely followed in third. The Portuguese icon, now 40, has scored seven goals in the competition this season and is hungry to add his first Asian title to an already legendary career.
Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli expressed confidence in his team’s potential:
"I always have great confidence in the players because of our hard work in training. Sometimes the results do not reflect our efforts, but we know that we are on the right path."
Their first challenge comes against struggling Japanese side Yokohama F-Marinos, who recently parted ways with manager Steve Holland following a dismal domestic run. Despite their league troubles, Yokohama impressed in the East Zone and thrashed Shanghai Port 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
Elsewhere, Al Ahli—powered by stars like Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez—take on Thailand's Buriram United. A win could set up a mouthwatering all-Saudi semi-final against record four-time Asian champions Al Hilal, who face South Korean newcomers Gwangju.
Gwangju's technical director Jang Ki-bong acknowledged the challenge ahead:
"Al Hilal are a strong team, better than most from the East, but we are not afraid. We will fight to defy the odds."
Despite Neymar’s return to Brazil, Al Hilal still boast a formidable squad, including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Neves.
For Mahrez and the Saudi clubs, the stakes are high.
"Playing the finals in Jeddah is a boost for us. We’ll give everything to bring the title home," said the Algerian winger.
As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on Jeddah to see if Saudi Arabia can cap its footballing revolution with continental supremacy.
