Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal secured top spot in the western league standings in the AFC Champions League Elite yesterday as Jorge Jesus’ side handed Al Wasl a 2-0 defeat in Dubai to maintain their unbeaten record in the 2024-25 competition.
Marcos Leonardo gave the visitors the lead in the 13th minute and Salem Al Dawsari added the second four minutes into the second half as the former continental champions climbed above compatriots Al Ahli to reclaim top spot.
The result means the Riyadh-based side will face Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in the last 16 while Al Wasl, who had also already secured their place in the next round, will take on Qatar’s Al Sadd next month.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Esteghlal FC were the final team to confirm their spot in the round of 16 after defeating Al Rayyan SC 2-0.
Esteghlal’s win saw them finish in sixth spot on nine points with Al Rayyan a rung below and a point adrift. The result also pushed Persepolis FC into ninth spot, thus eliminating the Iranian side.
The completion of the league phase means the lineup for the knockout rounds for the west Asian half of the draw is set, with Saudi Pro League clubs in the first three spots in the table.
Second-placed Al Ahli will take on Al Rayyan, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr face Esteghlal.
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