Last-16 set as RSL trio round off ACL Elite group in style

The West Region league stage of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite concluded on Tuesday night, with our Roshn Saudi League clubs making up three of the top four slots.

Al Hilal finished at the head of the 12-team standings with 22 points from a possible 24, the current RSL leaders qualifying for the knockouts as the only unbeaten side in the entire competition - west and east.

Al Ahli, who last year landed a historic first Asian crown, made it an RSL one-two at the summit on the western side, while Jeddah rivals - and reigning Saudi champions - Al Ittihad took fourth spot.

The trio advance to the last 16, which will be played next month across home and away legs. Then, just like last year, the tournament’s closing rounds - quarter-finals to final - will be staged in Jeddah.

Here’s how our three teams booked their spots in the knockouts, and who they'll meet in the next round.

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Al Hilal

The record four-time Asian champions topped the West Region by going undefeated across the campaign. Indeed, Al Hilal reeled off seven victories from eight, the goalless draw at UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli on Matchday 7 representing their only dropped points.

Simone Inzaghi’s side rounded off the league phase on Monday with a 2-1 victory at home to another Emirati outfit, Al Wahda. Darwin Nunez, the summer signing from English giants Liverpool, got both the hosts’ goals at Kingdom Arena.

Last-16 match-up: Al Sadd (Qatar)

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Al Ahli

The current title-holders proved they’re not going to relinquish their crown without a fight, finishing second in the West Region to RSL championship rivals Al Hilal.

Al Ahli, who sit third in the 2025-26 Saudi top flight, won five of their eight games on the continent, losing twice, and have generally looked excellent in defence of the trophy.

With 21 goals, including another impressive haul in Monday’s 4-3 victory at home to Shabab Al Ahli, Matthias Jaissle’s men rank as the 2025-26 tournament’s second-highest scorers, behind fellow Jeddah giants Al Ittihad.

Last-16 match-up: Al Duhail (Qatar)

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Al Ittihad

The league phase’s top scorers (22 goals), searching for a third Asian crown and first since the second of back-to-back titles in 2005, recovered brilliantly after losing the opening two matchdays to ultimately come home fourth.

To their immense credit, Al Ittihad reeled off five victories from their remaining six fixtures, culminating in Tuesday night’s 4-1 triumph away to Qatar’s Al Sadd.

New signing Youssef En Nesyri was on the scoresheet yet again - a goal in a third successive appearance for Al Ittihad - while fellow fresh recruit Stephane Keller marked his debut by finding the net, too.

Last-16 match-up: Al Wahda (UAE)