ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr headline a trio of Saudi Pro League powerhouses vying for the AFC Champions League Elite title as the tournament’s final stages kick off in Jeddah this week.
Saudi Arabia Hosts High-Stakes Knockout Stage
For the first time under its revamped format, the AFC Champions League Elite’s quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will all be held in Saudi Arabia. From April 25 to May 3, the spotlight will shine on Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, where the 62,000-seat venue is set to host the final.
With clubs backed by significant investment and bolstered by international stars, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli enter the final phase as top contenders.
Al Hilal and Al Ahli topped the West Zone standings without a loss in their respective groups, while Al Nassr, led by the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo, followed closely behind. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward has netted seven goals in the competition so far and is aiming to add a first-ever Asian title to his storied career.
Ronaldo and Al Nassr Eye Redemption
Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli remains confident in his squad despite falling short in last year’s quarter-finals.
“I always have great confidence in the players because of our hard work in training,” said Pioli. “Sometimes the results do not do us justice but we know that we are on the right path.”
Their next test comes against Yokohama F-Marinos, who were runners-up in 2024 but are currently struggling after the recent dismissal of manager Steve Holland. Despite being bottom of Japan’s J.League, Yokohama impressed in the East Zone and beat Chinese champions Shanghai Port 5-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16.
“We need to all be on the same page about how we want to play, including the small details,” said midfielder Riku Yamane, reflecting on their latest league defeat.
Al Hilal and Al Ahli Boast Star Power
Four-time champions Al Hilal are chasing a record-extending fifth continental crown. Though Brazilian star Neymar has returned to Santos, the team still boasts Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves. They are set to face tournament debutants Gwangju FC of South Korea in the quarter-finals.
“Al Hilal are a good team, like most West teams are and, to be honest, are better than teams from the East,” admitted Gwangju technical director Jang Ki-bong. “But we are not afraid and we will fight to defy the odds.”
Al Ahli, another Saudi heavyweight, will clash with Thailand’s Buriram United. England international Ivan Toney leads their formidable attack, supported by ex-Premier League stars Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.
“Holding the finals in Jeddah will help us, and we will give everything we have to win the title,” said Mahrez, who joined from Manchester City.
Path to the Final
The winners of Al Nassr vs. Yokohama will face either Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale or Qatar’s Al Sadd in the semi-finals. If Al Hilal and Al Ahli both progress, an all-Saudi semi-final showdown could be on the cards, underlining the dominance of Saudi clubs in this year’s tournament.
With global stars, home advantage, and regional bragging rights at stake, Saudi Arabia’s elite clubs are poised for a historic run as they chase continental supremacy in the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite.
