Al Ain hosts Al Nassr... Al Hilal meets Al Gharafa in the 'Elite' stage
UAE's Al Ain faces Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, while Saudi Al Hilal hosts Qatar's Al Gharafa in the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates face their guests, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, today in the first round of the unified group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite. Al Ain, winners in 2003 and 2024 and runners-up in 2005 and 2016, return to their favored tournament after missing out last year, with ambitions of reaching the later stages again. However, their hopes are tested by a record of failing to win in nine consecutive continental matches, as they face Al Nassr, who are aiming for a continental achievement under the leadership of their Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal seek a comfortable victory when they host Qatar’s Al Gharafa today at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
