Riyadh - A history of Asian football

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Riyadh - A history of Asian football

Kuala Lumpur: Riyadh is hosting an AFC Champions League final for the third time in six years, but the Saudi capital's rich traditions in Asian football are decades old.

When Al Hilal take on Urawa Red Diamonds in the first leg of the 2019 AFC Champions League final, it will be the sixth time Riyadh is hosting a final tie in the AFC Champions League or Asian Club Championship, a record bettered by no other city in the Continent and only matched by Bangkok.

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Road to the Final: 6 Key Moments

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Road to the Final: 6 Key Moments

Kuala Lumpur: The clock is ticking down towards the 2019 AFC Champions League final between Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds as the sides get set to meet for the second time in three years when the first leg kicks off in Riyadh on Saturday.

While both teams undoubtedly deserve their place in the showpiece event, there are a number of key moments and perhaps even some strokes of luck that have helped them along the way. The-AFC.com has picked out six events that have contributed to the sides’ success in the 2019 campaign.

2017 Final Flashback: Al Hilal vs Urawa Reds Diamonds

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2017 Final Flashback: Al Hilal vs Urawa Reds Diamonds

Kuala Lumpur: When Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds meet in the first leg of the 2019 AFC Champions League final in Riyadh on Saturday, it marks the second time in three years that the sides have faced off in the showpiece event. 

As the clock ticks down towards the highly anticipated re-match, the-AFC.com looks back at the 2017 clash, which saw the two teams competing in the final for the second time.

5 ACL Final Icons

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 ACL Final Icons

Kuala Lumpur: The 2019 AFC Champions League final, that kicks off on saturday in Riyadh, will be a platform for the two best club sides in Asia to do battle in the Continent's premier showpiece event. 

The players from Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia will have the chance to emboss their name on the proud history of the AFC Champions League, joining a list of legends who wowed the Continent.

Ahead of the first leg clash at King Saud University Stadium, we look back at five of those who seized their moment in the spotlight and ensured they would become AFC Champions League Final icons.

West Asia Domestic Wrap: Al Hilal held, second defeat for Al Sadd

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Domestic Wrap: Al Hilal held, second defeat for Al Sadd

Beirut: 2019 AFC Champions League finalists Al Hilal were held by Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League while Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd suffered their second defeat of the season in the latest round of domestic matches in West Asia.

UAE Pro League champions Sharjah recovered from their draw last week to record their fifth league victory as the-AFC.com reviews the domestic action in West Asia.

UAE 2019 success paves the way for AFC Champions League expansion

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE 2019 success paves the way for AFC Champions League expansion

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John believes the expansion of the AFC Champions League will mirror the success of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

The AFC’s marquee competition was expanded from 16 to 24 teams which saw the Philippines and Kyrgyz Republic making their debuts while Vietnam and India’s heroic performances were commended.

The positive impact of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will see the AFC Champions League from the 2021 season expanded to 40 clubs, further growing the reputation of one of the richest Continental club competitions in the world.

Dato’ Windsor John said the additional teams in the AFC Champions League will further elevate the development of the sport in the Continent.

ACL 2019 Allianz Goal of the Week: Bafetimbi Gomis (Al Hilal SFC)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL 2019 Allianz Goal of the Week: Bafetimbi Gomis (Al Hilal SFC)

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com announced on Friday that Al Hilal's Bafetimbi Gomis is the winner of this week’s Goal of the Week presented by Allianz for the 2019 AFC Champions League semi-final second legs.