RSL clubs embark on new era in Asian football

Four Roshn Saudi League clubs will etch their names in history this week when they take place in the inaugural editions of the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two.

In the former, the continent’s premier club competition, RSL champions Al Hilal, Riyadh rivals Al Nassr and Jeddah counterparts Al Ahli make up three of the 24 clubs competing in this season's reformatted tournament, which has replaced the AFC Champions League.

The AFC Champions League Elite sees a reduction of 40 teams to comprise two 12-club groups split into West Asia and East Asia geographical zones. Each side then plays eight matches – four at home, four away – with the top eight advancing to the knockout round (round of 16).

On Monday night, Al Nassr open their 2024-25 Asian account away to Iraq’s Al Shorta. The 2023-24 RSL runners-up will be without captain Cristiano Ronaldo for the match, as the Portuguese superstar did not travel with the squad because of a viral infection. Ronaldo has lifted the European equivalent five times, during spells with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Also on Monday, Al Ahli welcome Iranian side Persepolis to Jeddah. Matthias Jaissle’s men, who qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite by finishing third in last season’s RSL, last competed in the former version in 2021. Incidentally, Al Nassr and Al Ahli warmed up for the continental campaign by playing out a 1-1 draw in the RSL on Friday.

Meanwhile, Tuesday sees Al Hilal begin their quest for a record-extending fifth Asian crown away to Qatar’s Al Rayyan. Jorge Jesus’ side, who last term reached the AFC Champions League semi-final, enter as one of the favourites. It is a billing helped by the club's 39-match unbeaten run in the RSL, increased on Saturday by their 3-0 victory at Al Riyadh.

However, the new era for the Asian Football Confederation does not stop with the AFC Champions Elite: the governing body has also introduced the AFC Asian Champions League Two, which replaces the AFC Cup.

Made up of 32 teams, the sides are split into eight groups of four – four covering West Asia and four for East Asia. The competition follows a more traditional arrangement: each group is played in a double round-robin format, home and away, with the top two progressing to the knockout stage.

Al Taawoun represent the Saudi Arabian entrant this season, after the Buraidah side came home fourth in the 2023-24 RSL. New manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena, who has overseen two wins from his opening three RSL matches, will pit his wits against Iraq’s Air Force Club, Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya and FC Altyn Asyr of Turkmenistan in Group B.

Fresh from Friday’s 2-0 victory against Al Khaleej, Al Taawoun create their own slice of history on Wednesday night, when they kick off the group away to Al Khaldiya in Riffa.