The 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite just got a whole lot more exciting, with three Roshn Saudi League (RSL) powerhouses dominating the West Region group stage and securing their spots in the knockout rounds. But here's where it gets controversial: can the RSL clubs maintain their dominance, or will the East Region teams rise to challenge their supremacy?
The West Region league stage concluded on Tuesday, with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad claiming three of the top four positions. Al Hilal, currently leading the RSL, finished atop the 12-team standings with an impressive 22 points out of 24, remaining the only unbeaten team across both the West and East regions. This achievement raises the question: Is Al Hilal the team to beat in this tournament, or will their undefeated streak finally come to an end in the knockouts?
Al Ahli, fresh off their historic first Asian crown last year, secured second place, making it an RSL one-two punch at the top. Meanwhile, their Jeddah rivals and reigning Saudi champions, Al Ittihad, grabbed the fourth spot. And this is the part most people miss: Al Ittihad’s comeback story after losing their first two matches is nothing short of remarkable, but will their late surge be enough to carry them through the tougher knockout stages?
All three teams advance to the last 16, which will be played next month in a home-and-away format. Just like last year, the tournament’s final rounds—from the quarter-finals to the final—will be hosted in Jeddah, setting the stage for a potential RSL showdown on home soil.
Let’s dive into how these teams secured their spots and who they’ll face next.
Al Hilal: The Unbeaten Juggernaut
Al Hilal, boasting a record four Asian championships, topped the West Region with an undefeated campaign. They secured seven wins out of eight matches, with their only dropped points coming from a goalless draw against UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli on Matchday 7. Simone Inzaghi’s squad wrapped up the group stage with a 2-1 home victory over Al Wahda, thanks to a brace from summer signing Darwin Nunez, who has quickly become a fan favorite after his move from Liverpool. But here’s a thought: Can Nunez’s form sustain Al Hilal’s title aspirations, or will they need more from their squad to go all the way?
Al Ahli: Defending Champions with a Point to Prove
The current title-holders, Al Ahli, finished second in the West Region, proving they’re not ready to give up their crown without a fight. Sitting third in the 2025-26 Saudi top flight, they won five of their eight matches, losing only twice, and have looked solid in their title defense. With 21 goals, including a thrilling 4-3 win over Shabab Al Ahli, Matthias Jaissle’s side ranks as the tournament’s second-highest scorers. They’ll face Al Duhail of Qatar in the last 16. But the question remains: Can Al Ahli replicate last year’s heroics, or will the pressure of defending their title prove too much?
Al Ittihad: The Comeback Kings
Al Ittihad, the league phase’s top scorers with 22 goals, are on the hunt for their third Asian title and first since 2005. After a rocky start with two opening losses, they bounced back spectacularly, winning five of their remaining six matches, including a 4-1 away victory over Qatar’s Al Sadd. New signing Youssef En Nesyri has been on fire, scoring in his third consecutive appearance, while Stephane Keller marked his debut with a goal. But here’s the debate: Is Al Ittihad’s late surge a sign of true championship potential, or are they still too inconsistent to go all the way?
As the knockout stages approach, the stage is set for an intense battle. Will the RSL trio continue to dominate, or will the East Region teams upset the balance? And which of these three Saudi powerhouses has what it takes to lift the trophy in Jeddah? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your predictions and opinions!
