Ronaldo Hunts Asian Champions League Glory in Saudi-Hosted Finals
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are among the top contenders for the AFC Champions League title as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the final knockout stages in Jeddah. Starting from April 25 to May 3, 2025, Saudi clubs dominate the competition, with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr fighting for the prestigious trophy on home soil.
Saudi Clubs Take Center Stage in AFC Champions League
Saudi Arabian clubs have transformed the AFC Champions League into a battle of heavyweights, with Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli featuring star-studded lineups. Ronaldo, who has netted seven goals this season at 40 years old, is looking to secure his first-ever AFC Champions League title in what could be his final years in professional football.
The finals will be hosted at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, which boasts a 62,000 capacity, as Saudi clubs aim to make their mark. Al Nassr, under the management of Stefano Pioli, have high hopes after being eliminated in last year’s quarter-finals. Pioli expressed confidence in his squad, stating that their hard work in training will pay off.
“I always have great confidence in the players because of our hard work in training. We know we are on the right path,” Pioli said.
Al Nassr’s Challenging Road Ahead
Al Nassr’s first challenge is to overcome Yokohama F. Marinos, the 2024 AFC Champions League runners-up, who have struggled in the J.League this season. Despite their domestic woes, Yokohama surprised many by topping the East Zone and progressing past Shanghai Port in the last 16 with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory.
Yokohama midfielder Riku Yamane remains optimistic, stressing that his team must stay united and focus on their next steps in the tournament.
Al Hilal and Al Ahli Ready for Battle
Al Hilal, looking to become Asian champions for a record-extending fifth time, face South Korea’s Gwangju in the quarter-finals. Despite letting Neymar return to Santos, Al Hilal still have the quality of players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Neves.
Al Ahli, with Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez, are another Saudi club with title aspirations. They will face Buriram United from Thailand in the quarter-finals, and a victory could set up an all-Saudi semi-final showdown against Al Hilal.
Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City, expressed the team’s commitment to winning, especially with the finals taking place in Jeddah:
“Holding the finals in Jeddah will help us, and we will give everything we have to win the title,” Mahrez said.
Looking Ahead to the Final Stages
As the tournament progresses, Saudi Arabia’s investment in top-tier football continues to bear fruit, with Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli all set to give their best in front of home fans. The AFC Champions League finals promise exciting matches as some of Asia’s best footballing talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo, battle for continental supremacy.
