Marinos’ Nagato out to make up for 2024 disappointment

Fri, 25 Apr, 2025

Marinos’ Nagato out to make up for 2024 disappointment

Jeddah: Katsuya Nagato has set himself the target of erasing last year’s heartbreak by helping Yokohama F. Marinos win their AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 quarter-final tie against Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club on Saturday.

Nagato started both legs of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final against Al Ain FC which the Emirati side won 6-3 on aggregate, and the left-back understandably wants a happier outcome at Jeddah 2025.

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Preview - QF: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Preview - QF: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Jeddah: Al Nassr Club will not make the mistake of underestimating Yokohama F. Marinos when the sides meet in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on Saturday.

Despite Marinos’ domestic woes, which sees them at the bottom of the J1 League standings, Al Nassr head coach Stefano Pioli said there will be no room for complacency as Italian seeks to steer his side to an inaugural AFC Champions League Elite title. 

Al Nassr’s Bento ready for all possibilities

Fri, 25 Apr, 2025

Al Nassr’s Bento ready for all possibilities

Jeddah: Bento Krepski said Al Nassr are prepared for all scenarios in their AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 quarter-final against Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday.

The goalkeeper believes sufficient preparation has been made to ensure that the Saudi Pro League side will come out trumps even if the match progressed to penalties.

QF - Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA): Facts & Figures

Fri, 25 Apr, 2025

QF - Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA): Facts & Figures

Jeddah: Yokohama F. Marinos and Al Nassr Club are set for a titanic battle when they square off in the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Saturday.

Their quarter-final tie at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium will be a clash between two teams aiming to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.

Preview - QF: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Buriram United (THA)

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Preview - QF: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Buriram United (THA)

Jeddah: Buriram United are prepared to go the distance when they meet Al Ahli Saudi FC in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

The Thai League 1 outfit are returning to this stage for the first time since 2013 and will be facing an Al Ahli side who are unbeaten in their last 15 AFC Champions League Elite matches.

Al Ahli's Firmino eyeing perfect home campaign

Fri, 25 Apr, 2025

Al Ahli's Firmino eyeing perfect home campaign

Jeddah: Roberto Firmino expects Al Ahli Saudi FC to maximise home ground advantage when they face Buriram United in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Saturday.

The Brazilian forward, who has been in fine form on the continental stage, said he is looking forward to powering Al Ahli’s bid for a first AFC Champions League Elite title.

Cools confident Buriram can do it

Fri, 25 Apr, 2025

Cools confident Buriram can do it

Jeddah: Facing Al Ahli Saudi FC at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is an opportunity Buriram United are relishing, said Dion Cools ahead of their AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 quarter-final tie on Saturday.

The Malaysian, a key player in the Buriram defence, is excited for the challenge and focused on helping his team reach the next stage.

QF - Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Buriram United (THA): Facts & Figures

Fri, 25 Apr, 2025

QF - Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Buriram United (THA): Facts & Figures

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC and Buriram United will continue their bid for the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 title when they square off in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

It promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams having not won the title before.

The-AFC.com takes a deep dive into the teams' facts and figures ahead of their face off at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

#ACLElite - In Numbers

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025

#ACLElite - In Numbers

Jeddah: The AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 kicks off on Friday with eight teams vying to lift the sparkling new trophy.

The teams have battled hard - from the newly-introduced League Stage that began in earnest in September 2025 to February’s Round of 16 - to earn the right to be the top side in Asian club football.

As we get set to witness seven epic matches with the final to be played on May 3, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures.

Preview - QF: Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Gwangju FC (KOR)

Sat, 26 Apr, 2025

Preview - QF: Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Gwangju FC (KOR)

Jeddah: Al Hilal SFC and Gwangju FC are equally confident of their chances when they face off in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 quarter-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Friday. 

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are seeking a record-extending fifth continental title while Korea Republic’s Gwangju are determined to continue turning heads in their debut appearance on the continental stage.

Neves cautious but expects Al Hilal to persevere

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025

Neves cautious but expects Al Hilal to persevere

Jeddah: Ruben Neves has no doubt that if Al Hilal SFC want to go all the way in the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025, the four-time champions must produce their best against Gwangju FC in their quarter-final showdown on Friday.

The midfielder, in acknowledging the unpredictability of knockout stage cup competitions, is nonetheless confident the Saudi Arabian side will book their semi-final spot.

Reis: Underestimate Gwangju at your own peril

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025

Reis: Underestimate Gwangju at your own peril

Jeddah: Isnairo Reis Silva Morais has warned that Gwangju FC are determined to prove their worth in the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025, starting with their last eight face-off with Al Hilal SFC on Friday.

Popularly known as Reis, the Brazilian said Gwangju’s performances in their continental debut deserve respect and even a little fear - especially after their amazing comeback against Japan’s Vissel Kobe in the Round of 16.

QF - Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Gwangju FC (KOR): Facts & Figures

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025

QF - Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Gwangju FC (KOR): Facts & Figures

Jeddah: Al Hilal SFC will meet Gwangju FC in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 on Friday.

It promises to be an enticing affair, with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal seeking a fifth Asian title while debutants Gwangju of Korea Republic are determined to extend their fairytale run.

Ahead of the tie at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the-AFC.com crunches up the numbers.

Q-finals: The showdowns

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025

Q-finals: The showdowns

Jeddah: The AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 is all set to kick off with the first quarter-final to be played on Friday. 

Determined performances took the teams through to the last eight stage and with the tournament entering its final stretch, the-AFC.com highlights one player per side who will be expected to play a leading role in their quarter-final showdowns as their respective clubs seek continental glory.  

#ACLElite Match Predictor: Last 16 review & Quarter-final face-offs

Wed, 23 Apr, 2025

#ACLElite Match Predictor: Last 16 review & Quarter-final face-offs

Kuala Lumpur: What a ride! The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Round of 16 witnessed several surprises in the first legs, followed by some dominant performances by the powerhouses in the return meetings. 

With the quarter-finals to kick off in Jeddah on Friday, we look back at the highlights from the previous round and offer you some top tips on who to back next. 

But first, don't forget to join our free AFC Champions League Elite™ Match Predictor game. Play now by clicking HERE.

#ACLElite Fantasy Football: Star Performers & Top Tips

Tue, 22 Apr, 2025

#ACLElite Fantasy Football: Star Performers & Top Tips

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Round of 16 saw the stars of Asian football turn on the style for their Fantasy managers, and it’s now time to start thinking about the quarter-finals in Saudi Arabia.   

Want to maximise your points and chase glory?  

We've analysed the top performers to help you make informed decisions. Discover who shone brightest and strategically bolster your team before the crucial matches. 

And if you’re not already taking part, don't miss out on the action! Join the free AFC Champions League Elite™ Fantasy game here