The penultimate round of the unified West group in the AFC Champions League Elite produced a series of draws on Monday, highlighted by Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE holding Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal to a 0–0 draw in Dubai.
While the result ended Al Hilal’s perfect winning run, it did not affect their position at the top of the standings, in a round marked by limited scoring and cautious performances.
Shabab Al Ahli Stop Al Hilal’s Winning Streak
Al Hilal entered the match with six consecutive victories and leading the Saudi Pro League, aiming to maintain a flawless record. However, the hosts denied them all three points as both sides settled for a goalless draw.
Al Hilal moved to 19 points at the top of the table, while Shabab Al Ahli remained fifth with 11 points. Despite the draw, Al Hilal extended their unbeaten run in the group stage to 21 matches, the longest such streak in the history of the competition.
Goalkeepers Shine as Chances Go Begging
Shabab Al Ahli enjoyed the better start and created several opportunities, but Al Hilal goalkeeper Mathieu Patouillet, deputising for the injured Yassine Bounou, delivered a standout performance with key saves, including two efforts from Brazilian forward Joao Marcelo.
Al Hilal improved after the break, with substitute Nasser Al Dawsari coming close, only for Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper Hamad Al Muqbel to deny him, ensuring the match ended scoreless.
Al Wahda and Al Ahli Share Goalless Draw
At Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Al Wahda and defending champions Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia played out a 0–0 draw in a match focused on improving positions after both sides had already secured qualification.
Al Ahli climbed temporarily to second place with 14 points, ahead of Iran’s Tractor on goal difference, while Al Wahda stayed fourth. The encounter was largely subdued, with few clear chances.
Disallowed Goals and Missed Opportunities
Al Ahli came closest through Algeria international Riyad Mahrez, whose shot was saved by Al Wahda goalkeeper Zayed Al Hammadi. A late header from Ivan Toney was ruled out for a foul, while Franck Kessie missed a one-on-one chance late on.
Other Draws Across the Group
In Doha, Qatar’s Al Duhail drew 1–1 with UAE side Sharjah in a match where both goals came from penalty kicks, leaving the teams seventh and eighth respectively with eight points each.
Iraq’s Al Shorta also drew 1–1 away to Uzbekistan’s Nasaf, with both sides remaining outside qualification contention.
Teams already qualified for the Round of 16:
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
Al Wahda (UAE)
Tractor (Iran)
Conclusion:
The latest round of the AFC Champions League Elite underlined the tight competition in the West group, with qualification battles set to be decided in the final round.
