Dawsari on fire
Al Hilal SFC topped the West Zone League Stage standings with on 22 points, finishing ahead of Saudi Pro League rivals Al Ahli Saudi FC on goal difference. A star of their campaign has been the enigmatic Salem Al Dawsari, who in scoring three goals, took his tally to seven. Not only is the Al Hilal captain top of the scoring charts alongside Gwangju FC’s Jasir Asani but his haul so far is already his best in a single season of the continental showpiece.
Marinos’ steely backline
Yokohama F. Marinos responded to their 7-3 opening match defeat to Gwangju FC by going on a run that climaxed with the Japanese side topping the East Zone standings with 18 points, three clear of Kawasaki Frontale. Their impressive finish was built on defensive resolve, with Marinos keeping a clean sheet in their last five games, the longest run of matches without conceding a goal for Japanese clubs in the competition along with
Urawa Reds in 2022.
Al Nassr ready to pounce
Al Nassr Club finished third behind Saudi Arabian rivals Al Hilal and Al Ahli Saudi but Cristiano Ronaldo’s side will be confident of their title chances after stretching their unbeaten away or neutral venue run on the continent to seven matches. Al Nassr, however, can expect a stern test when they face Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal FC at the majestic Azadi Stadium in the first leg of the Round of 16 on March 3.
Frontale on the front foot
Kawasaki Frontale are seemingly unbeatable when they score first on the continent, with the 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners of Australia stretching their run to 20 matches on the continent. Their last defeat after taking the lead was to fellow Japanese side Urawa Reds in September 2017.
Pakhtakor end dismal run
Pakhtakor qualified for the Round of 16 by the slimmest of margins and it was thanks to their 2-1 defeat of Al Sadd SC on Matchday 8. Not only did the victory end the Uzbekistan side’s longest winless streak on the continent (8 matches), but it was also the first time since
November 2023 that they scored multiple goals in the top tier of Asian club football.
Bissoli sparking Buriram
Buriram United are all set for an ASEAN derby when they take on Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Round of 16 and the Thai side will be hoping Bissoli continues to fire on all cylinders when they take on the Malaysian side. The Brazilian has already netted four times on the continent – only compatriot Diogo (6) has scored more for Buriram in the AFC Champions League.
Mahrez Al Ahli’s main man
Al Ahli Saudi FC impressed in the League Stage and created a new personal record by scoring at least twice in seven successive matches. Fronting their bid for the title is Riyad Mahrez, with the Algerian standing out by scoring and assisting in three matches – the most on the continent this season.
Future bright for Mariners
Central Coast Mariners exited the tournament with just a point but the Australian side can look forward to a bright future after gaining valuable experience with a young squad. Mariners had an average starting XI of 21 years and 256 days.
