Asian Champions League Elite: star-studded Saudi, Japanese and Chinese clubs set the pace
Like the European version, Asia’s top-tier tournament has expanded the number of group-stage games, putting extra demands on clubs
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Saudi Arabian clubs are dominating the Western zone of the AFC Champions League Elite but, in the east, Japan is on top with Chinese clubs bouncing back after a difficult period.
Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are first, second and third in the Western zone group, where the 24 teams in the tournament are divided into two groups of 12, and are already guaranteed a place in the round of 16.
It has not been easy, however. Like the European version, Asia’s top-tier tournament has expanded the number of group-stage games from six to eight, putting extra demands on even the cashed-up Saudi Arabian clubs.
“The tournament is very difficult, it is similar to the UEFA Champions League,” said Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus. “If we want to succeed, we must manage in the required manner. Pressure and fatigue are the fate of big clubs that compete in all tournaments and we are up to the task.”
With the domestic seasons in East Asia already over, there are fewer demands on clubs who are in action on Tuesday and Wednesday and the three Chinese teams are in the top eight with seven points each.
After years of financial problems and clubs folding, fans are enjoying the relative success of the clubs especially as the national team has won two of its past three qualifiers to keep hopes of the 2026 World Cup alive.
