Champions League Elite enters decisive stage

Al-Ahli players celebrate after booking place in the quarterfinals.

RIYADH, April 16: The AFC Champions League Elite moves into a crucial knockout phase with the quarterfinals, where East meets West in highly anticipated clashes following an intense journey through the group stage and Round of 16.

Reigning champion Al-Ahli faces Malaysian surprise package Johor Darul Ta’zim, who has impressed throughout the tournament to reach this stage. Al-Ahli, led by German coach Matthias Jaissle, enters the match under pressure amid mixed domestic form, but the continental campaign remains a key priority with just three wins separating it from the title.

Johor arrives full of confidence after eliminating Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-1 in the Round of 16, underlining its status as one of the tournament’s standout sides. With quality foreign players such as Samu Castillejo and Marcos Guilherme, the Malaysian club poses a serious threat.

In another quarterfinal, Al-Ittihad takes on Japan’s Machida Zelvia in a challenging encounter for the Saudi champions. Coach Sérgio Conceição is aiming to bounce back from domestic disappointment and refocus on continental success, but faces a difficult task amid ongoing technical and performance issues within the squad.