Get ready for some thrilling football action as we dive into the last-16 stage of the AFC Champions League Elite! The West Region league phase has just wrapped up, and it's an exciting time for fans of the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) as three of our clubs have secured top spots.
The Road to the Top
Leading the charge is none other than Al Hilal, the current RSL leaders. With an impressive 22 points out of a possible 24, they finished at the pinnacle of the 12-team standings. What's even more remarkable is that Al Hilal is the only unbeaten team in the entire competition, a true testament to their dominance.
But here's where it gets interesting. Joining Al Hilal at the summit is their RSL rival, Al Ahli. Last year, Al Ahli made history by becoming the first Asian club to claim the crown, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. Sitting pretty in third place in the 2025-26 Saudi top flight, Al Ahli has won five out of their eight continental games, showcasing their prowess in defense of the trophy.
And let's not forget about the reigning Saudi champions, Al Ittihad. These Jeddah rivals have secured the fourth spot, adding to the RSL's impressive showing. Al Ittihad, the top scorers during the league phase with 22 goals, is on a mission to claim their third Asian crown, their first since their back-to-back titles in 2005.
The Last-16 Showdown
The trio has advanced to the last 16, and the upcoming matches promise to be intense. These knockout rounds will be played next month, with home and away legs adding to the excitement. Just like last year, the tournament's closing rounds, from the quarter-finals to the final, will be hosted in Jeddah, making it an even more special occasion for RSL fans.
Al Hilal's Undefeated Streak
Al Hilal's journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. They finished the West Region campaign undefeated, with seven victories out of eight matches. Their only dropped points came in a goalless draw against Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE on Matchday 7. Simone Inzaghi's side wrapped up the league phase with a thrilling 2-1 victory at home against Al Wahda, with Darwin Nunez, the new signing from Liverpool, scoring both goals at Kingdom Arena.
Al Ahli's Fight for the Crown
As the current title-holders, Al Ahli has proven that they're not giving up their crown without a fight. Finishing second in the West Region, they've shown their mettle against their RSL rivals, Al Hilal. With five wins and two losses in their continental games, Al Ahli has been an impressive force to be reckoned with. Matthias Jaissle's men have scored an impressive 21 goals, ranking them as the second-highest scorers in the 2025-26 tournament, just behind their fellow Jeddah giants, Al Ittihad.
In the last-16 match-up, Al Ahli will face Al Duhail of Qatar, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
Al Ittihad's Comeback Story
Al Ittihad's journey during the league phase was a testament to their resilience. Despite losing the opening two matchdays, they bounced back brilliantly, winning five out of their remaining six fixtures. Their performance on Tuesday night against Qatar's Al Sadd was a testament to their fighting spirit, as they emerged victorious with a 4-1 triumph.
New signings Youssef En Nesyri and Stephane Keller have been instrumental in Al Ittihad's success. En Nesyri has found the back of the net in three consecutive appearances, while Keller marked his debut with a goal, adding to the team's firepower.
As we look forward to the last-16 matches, the RSL's representation is a source of pride for Saudi football fans. With three teams advancing, the competition is sure to be fierce. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the RSL's presence in the knockout rounds is a testament to the league's strength and the talent it nurtures.
And this is the part most people miss: the beauty of football lies not just in the results but in the stories and journeys of the teams and players. So, as we await the next round of matches, let's appreciate the hard work, dedication, and passion that have brought these teams this far. It's an exciting time for football enthusiasts, and we can't wait to see what unfolds!
