In a thrilling display of football prowess, Saudi Arabian powerhouses Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have both advanced to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, securing their places with impressive victories on Tuesday. The two teams showcased their dominance in the second leg of the round of 16, overcoming their respective opponents to continue their quest for continental glory.
Al-Hilal’s Commanding Victory Over Pakhtakor
Al-Hilal delivered a stunning performance at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, defeating Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 4-0. This emphatic win overturned their 1-0 loss in the first leg in Tashkent, securing their progression with an aggregate score of 4-1. The goals came from Hamad Al-Yami in the 30th minute, Brazilian star Malcolm in the 42nd, Salem Al-Dawsari from a penalty in the 51st, and captain Nasser Al-Dawsari in stoppage time (90+2). The victory highlighted Al-Hilal’s attacking strength and resilience, as they bounced back from their earlier defeat to dominate the tie.
Al-Ahli’s Double Triumph Over Al-Rayyan
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli continued their strong form with a 2-0 victory over Qatar’s Al-Rayyan at the Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah. After securing a 3-1 win in the first leg, Al-Ahli advanced with a comfortable aggregate score of 5-1. The match remained goalless in the first half, but Algerian star Riyad Mahrez broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, followed by a second goal in the 83rd minute to seal the deal. Mahrez’s brilliance was on full display as he spearheaded Al-Ahli’s attack, ensuring their place in the next round.
Saudi Dominance in the Quarter-Finals
With Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli joining Al-Nassr, who qualified on Monday by defeating Iran’s Esteghlal, Saudi Arabia now has three teams in the quarter-finals from the West Asian region. The fourth spot was claimed by Qatar’s Al-Sadd. This strong representation underscores the growing influence of Saudi football on the continental stage.
Upcoming AFC Champions League Elite Matches in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is set to host the final stages of the AFC Champions League Elite this season, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. The matches will take place from April 25 to May 3, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament. Football fans across the region are eagerly anticipating the high-stakes clashes as the competition heats up.
As Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli prepare for their next challenges, Saudi football continues to shine, showcasing its talent and ambition on the Asian stage.
Saudi Giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli Secure Spots in AFC Champions League Elite Quarter-Finals
