Saudi Clubs Dominate Asian Champions League Knockouts as Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Face Esteghlal

Posted : 28 February 2025

Saudi Arabia's presence in the Asian Champions League remains strong, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr among three teams from the country reaching the last 16. Alongside Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli dominated the tournament’s West zone league stage, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s football resurgence following heavy investment in European stars.

Al Hilal, four-time Asian champions and the last Saudi team to win the competition in 2021, topped the league standings on goal difference, remaining unbeaten alongside Al Ahli. Meanwhile, Al Nassr secured their spot by finishing five points ahead of Qatar’s Al Sadd, setting up a clash against Iran's Esteghlal in the knockout round.

Ronaldo, now 40, has been a key figure in Al Nassr’s campaign, scoring six goals in the group stage as he aims for his first Asian Champions League title. The Portuguese star, who has already secured five UEFA Champions League titles, was recently joined at Al Nassr by Colombian striker Jhon Duran. However, Duran’s Saudi league debut ended in controversy after a red card, which enraged Ronaldo and led to a heated reaction towards the referee.

Coach Stefano Pioli will look to keep his side composed against Esteghlal, whom they narrowly defeated 1-0 in the group stage thanks to a late goal from Aymeric Laporte. Meanwhile, Al Hilal, despite the absence of Neymar, are favorites to advance past Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, while Al Ahli’s attacking trio of Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez will seek to continue their strong form against Qatar’s Al Rayyan.

In the East zone, Japanese clubs asserted dominance during the group stage, with Yokohama F. Marinos finishing ahead of Kawasaki Frontale in the standings. Yokohama, now led by former England assistant coach Steve Holland, will take on China’s Shanghai Port in the last 16, while Kawasaki faces Shanghai Shenhua. Another Japanese side, Vissel Kobe, will battle South Korea’s Gwangju, ensuring a competitive round in the East.

Additionally, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim will face Thailand’s Buriram United, guaranteeing at least one non-Japanese team advances. Johor’s Argentine coach Hector Bidoglio expressed satisfaction with his team's performances, highlighting their qualification after a convincing 5-2 win over South Korea’s Pohang Steelers. The last-16 ties will be played over two legs, with the winners progressing to a finals stage set to take place in Saudi Arabia in April and May.

Saudi Clubs Dominate Asian Champions League Knockouts as Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Face Esteghlal

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics