#ACLElite - MD7 (West): In Numbers

Thu, 06 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - MD7 (West): In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Seven of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 - West had more than its fair share of thrills and spills.

As the 12 teams start preparing for the final round of fixtures in just under a fortnight, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from Matchday One.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3067794

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-al-sadd-sc-qat-1-3-al-ahli-saudi-fc-ksa

Jesus lauds Al Hilal’s first-half brilliance in Persepolis victory

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Jesus lauds Al Hilal’s first-half brilliance in Persepolis victory

Riyadh: Head coach Jorge Jesus was all smiles after Al Hilal SFC delivered a first-half masterclass to defeat Persepolis 4-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie at the Kingdom Arena on Tuesday.

The result propelled Al Hilal back to the top of the standings, ahead of Al Ahli Saudi on goal difference with Jesus praising his team’s mentality.

Mixed emotions for Martins, Moreira

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Mixed emotions for Martins, Moreira

Al Rayyan: A game of shared dominance between Al Gharafa and Pakhtakor which ended with the former eking out a 1-0 win to breathe life into their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 earned mixed reactions from Pedro Martins and Pedro Moreira.

A solitary Ferjani Sassi goal six minutes before half-time proved to be the difference as Qatar’s Al Gharafa moved into the knockout stage qualification spots, leaving Martins the relatively happier of the two head coaches.

Pioli praises Al Nassr’s depth; Milojevic rues Al Wasl’s missed chances

Tue, 04 Feb, 2025

Pioli praises Al Nassr’s depth; Milojevic rues Al Wasl’s missed chances

Riyadh: Head coach Stefano Pioli applauded Al Nassr Club’s performance in their emphatic 4-0 win over Al Wasl of UAE in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 at Al Awwal Park on Monday.

Ali Alhassan opened the scoring for the Saudi Pro League side with a spectacular strike before Cristiano Ronaldo, who celebrates his 40th birthday on Wednesday, netted a double with substitute Mohammed Al Fatil adding the fourth late in the game.

Jaissle hails Al Ahli’s tactical brilliance; Al Sadd’s Sanchez left searching for answers

Tue, 04 Feb, 2025

Jaissle hails Al Ahli’s tactical brilliance; Al Sadd’s Sanchez left searching for answers

Doha: Al Ahli Saudi showcased their title ambitions with a resounding 3-1 victory over Qatar’s Al Sadd in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Monday, leaving head coach Matthias Jaissle purring.

Despite falling behind to an Akram Afif lob early in the game, Al Ahli responded in style - drawing level through Roberto Firmino’s overhead kick before goals from Roger Ibanez and Riyad Mahrez ensured the Saudi Pro League side maintained their unbeaten run.

Esteghal’s Bakhtiarizadeh, Al Shorta’s Alwan satisfied despite stalemate

Tue, 04 Feb, 2025

Esteghal’s Bakhtiarizadeh, Al Shorta’s Alwan satisfied despite stalemate

Tehran: It was a result which neither desired but Esteghal head coach Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh and his Al Shorta counterpart Salah Alwan didn’t have too many complaints after their sides settled for a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 on Monday.

The draw left both in danger of missing out on the knockout stage, with Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal on six points with a match remaining while Al Shorta of Iraq only have three on the board. 

Jorge delighted as Al Rayyan stay in the hunt

Tue, 04 Feb, 2025

Jorge delighted as Al Rayyan stay in the hunt

Al Ain: Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC took a huge step towards the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage after an inspired second half performance saw them oust Al Ain FC 2-1 on Monday.

The win took Al Rayyan up to eight points with head coach Artur Jorge impressed by the recovery shown by his side as he eyes a spot in the last 16.

Ivic takes charge of Al Ain

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Ivic takes charge of Al Ain

Al Ain: Al AIn have appointed former Watford head coach Vladimir Ivic to replace Portuguese Leonardo Jardim, the UAE Pro League side announced on Tuesday.

The move came a day after Al Ain’s 2-1 defeat against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 which meant they crashed out of the competition without registering a single win. The team also had only one victory from their last five domestic league games. 

Knockout Stage showdowns to ignite #ACLTwo

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Knockout Stage showdowns to ignite #ACLTwo

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two™ is set for a thrilling return to action next Tuesday when the contenders continue their quest for glory in the Knockout Stage.

Eight Round of 16 ties – four each in the West and East regions – await as the tournament resumes following the conclusion of the Group Stage in December, with the first legs to be played between February 11 and 13.