Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the highly anticipated schedule for the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-2025, following the draw held at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The tournament, which features some of Asia’s top clubs, is set to deliver thrilling encounters as teams from the East and West compete for continental glory.
Quarter-Final Matchups:
The draw has set up some exciting clashes, with Saudi Arabian clubs dominating the lineup. Al-Hilal, one of Asia’s most successful clubs, will face South Korea’s Gwangju FC, while Al-Ahli will take on Thailand’s Buriram United. The winners of these two matches will meet in the semi-finals, ensuring a high-stakes battle for a spot in the final.
On the other side of the bracket, Al-Nassr, led by global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, will go head-to-head with Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al-Sadd, a powerhouse in Asian football, will face Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. The winners of these matches will also advance to the semi-finals, setting the stage for a potential clash of titans.
Tournament Format:
The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will be played in a single-leg format as part of a centralized tournament in Saudi Arabia. The action kicks off on April 25 and 26 with the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals on April 29 and 30. The grand finale will take place on May 4, 2025, where the champion of Asia will be crowned.
Road to the Quarter-Finals:
The journey to the quarter-finals has been intense. Al-Sadd secured their spot with a commanding 3-1 victory over the UAE’s Al-Wasl, while Al-Nassr cruised past Iran’s Esteghlal Tehran with a 3-0 win. Al-Hilal showcased their dominance with a 4-0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 4-1 on aggregate. Al-Ahli also impressed, defeating Qatar’s Al-Rayyan 2-0, despite the presence of Egyptian star Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet in the Qatari squad.
What’s Next:
With the quarter-finals just around the corner, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-2025. Saudi Arabia’s clubs, backed by passionate home support, will aim to dominate the competition, while teams from Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will look to upset the odds and claim the prestigious title.
Football fans across Asia and beyond can expect a festival of high-quality football as the continent’s best teams battle for supremacy in what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
AFC Champions League Elite 2024-2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures Revealed: Saudi Giants Set for High-Stakes Clashes
