Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr Seek First Victory in 'Elite'
Saudi Al-Ahli aims for its first win against UAE's Al-Wahda, while Al-Nassr looks to avenge its loss to Al-Ain in the second round matches of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Saudi champions Al Ahli aim to overcome their opening-day stumble and secure their first victory against hosts Al Wasl today in the second round of the West Zone of the unified AFC Champions League Elite group. In what will be their 28th meeting with Emirati clubs, Al Ahli, which suffered a setback after being eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup and had previously stumbled against Uzbek side PAKHTAKOR in the Champions League, hope to record their second consecutive win across all competitions (having beaten Al Fateh 4-0 in the league). The Saudi side holds the upper hand in head-to-head encounters with Emirati clubs, boasting 14 wins against five defeats and eight draws.
Al Ahli’s Dutch-Bosnian coach, Marino Pušić, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the win over Al Fateh, emphasizing the importance of a strong start following the international break. Meanwhile, Al Wasl seeks to regain its balance after a 1-2 defeat to Saudi side Al Qadsiah in the opening round. Al Wasl hopes to break their hoodoo against Saudi teams in Asian competitions, having lost their last five matches against them, including their only meeting with Al Ahli in the 2025 edition, which ended in a 0-2 loss in Dubai.
Also today, struggling Al Gharafa, who lost their opening match to Al Hilal, will host the jubilant Iranian champions Esteghlal, who are buoyed by their first win against Al Sadd. Al Nassr face a test to make up for their heavy 4-0 defeat to Al Ain, which left them at the bottom of the table, as they host Uzbek side Neftchi in Riyadh. Al Ain hope to make amends for their domestic disappointment when they travel to face Iraqi side Al Quwa Al Jawiya. The champions of the 2003 and 2024 editions put in an ideal display against Al Nassr but have since failed to secure a domestic win, suffering two losses and a draw in their last three matches in the League Cup. Meanwhile, Al Ahli Dubai travel to face Al Ittihad, carrying memories of last season’s 1-0 defeat in Jeddah.
