Al-Nassr target AFC Champions League Elite glory as Al Ain test awaits
Al-Nassr begin their AFC Champions League Elite campaign away to Al Ain on Tuesday, with João Félix insisting Cristiano Ronaldo’s side are chasing every trophy on offer this season.
Al-Nassr set out continental target
The Saudi club enter the new Champions League Elite season after ending last term as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Two, the continent’s secondary competition. Ange Postecoglou is now in charge of a squad featuring Ronaldo and fellow Portugal international Félix.
- Félix said Al-Nassr have the depth and quality to compete on every front.
- The forward named the Saudi Pro League, domestic cup and Champions League as the club’s targets.
- “We have a very strong, deep squad,” Félix said. “Our aim is to win every competition possible. We want the league, the cup and the Champions League. We are here to win, not just to dream.”
- Al-Nassr open the western-zone league phase against UAE side Al Ain on Tuesday.
Saudi clubs have invested more than $2 billion in recruitment since 2023, and five teams from the kingdom are involved as the latest edition starts next week.
Champions Al-Ahli want another title
Al-Ahli return as holders and captain Edouard Mendy has made clear that the club intend to defend their Asian crown. They are seeking a third straight continental title and begin at home to Pakhtakor.
Mendy said the champions will draw on the standards set during last season’s victorious run.
- “This is the biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia, and we will do everything to win,” Mendy said.
- “We won the Champions League last year, so we must use what worked then to succeed again.”
- “The club is building season by season.”
Western zone strengthened as Iran teams move fixtures
The western section has become even more competitive after Al-Hilal spent more than $200 million on Ollie Watkins, Gabriel Martinelli and Crysencio Summerville.
Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah, managed by Brendan Rodgers in their first campaign under the former Leicester City boss, are also in the western draw. Iranian clubs Esteghlal and Tractor will play home matches at neutral venues because of regional geopolitical tension.
- Al-Ahli host Pakhtakor in their opener.
- Esteghlal and Tractor start their campaigns away from home territory at neutral grounds.
- Japan and South Korea’s leading clubs head the challenge from the eastern zone as they look to halt the Gulf sides’ growing influence.
What happens next
The western and eastern zones will each send eight teams into the round of 16. Al-Nassr’s trip to Al Ain is among the first key tests of a campaign in which Saudi Arabia’s biggest spenders are again targeting Asian silverware.
