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Three clubs from the UAE’s ADNOC Pro League face varying challenges in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-2026 West Zone, with matches scheduled for today. Al Wahda will host Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, Shabab Al Ahli takes on Al Hilal, and Al Sharjah travels to face Qatar’s Al Duhail in crucial AFC Champions League Elite fixtures that could determine final standings in the group stage.
According to the schedule, Al Wahda welcomes Al Ahli at Al Nahyan Stadium at 17:45 local time, while Shabab Al Ahli meets Al Hilal at Rashid Stadium in Dubai at 20:00. At the same time, Al Sharjah faces Al Duhail at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Current AFC Champions League Elite Standings
Al Hilal leads the West Zone table with a perfect 18 points from six matches, followed by Tractor with 14 points. Both Al Ahli and Al Wahda share third place with 13 points each, while Shabab Al Ahli sits fifth with 10 points. Al Ittihad has accumulated 9 points, with Al Duhail and Al Sharjah each on 7 points.
Additionally, Al Gharafa holds 6 points, Al Sadd has 5 points, Al Shorta sits on just one point, and Nasaf remains without any points. Notably, Al Hilal, Al Wahda, Tractor, and Al Ahli have already secured official qualification to the Round of 16.
Al Wahda Seeks Stronger Continental Performance
Al Wahda enters a challenging encounter against Al Ahli amid fluctuating domestic form. The club currently occupies third place in the ADNOC Pro League standings, trailing leaders Shabab Al Ahli by eight points.
However, on the continental stage, the team has demonstrated impressive performances at home, securing three consecutive victories. A win today would establish a new club record while breaking the points tie with Al Ahli and guaranteeing a higher position in the league phase standings.
This strategic positioning would help Al Wahda avoid facing one of Asia’s elite clubs in the next round. The team’s strong home form in Asian competition contrasts with their domestic league struggles, highlighting the dual challenge facing the coaching staff.
Shabab Al Ahli Faces Unbeaten Al Hilal
Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli confronts perhaps the most difficult test among the UAE representatives, taking on undefeated Al Hilal. The Saudi champions have maintained a flawless record throughout the group stage, demonstrating their status as one of Asia’s strongest teams.
Despite already securing advancement to the knockout rounds, both teams have reasons to compete intensely. Shabab Al Ahli seeks to improve their seeding for the Round of 16 draw, while Al Hilal aims to maintain their perfect record and secure top position in the West Zone.
Al Sharjah Battles for Qualification
In contrast to their UAE counterparts, Al Sharjah faces a more precarious situation with only 7 points from six matches. The away fixture against Al Duhail represents a critical opportunity to strengthen their qualification hopes, though the path remains challenging.
With both teams level on points, the match carries significant implications for advancement prospects. Al Sharjah must secure a positive result to maintain realistic chances of progressing to the knockout stage, particularly given the limited number of matches remaining in the league phase.
The outcomes of today’s matches will significantly clarify the final qualification picture and seeding arrangements for the Round of 16. Further details regarding fixture schedules and potential matchups should emerge following the completion of the seventh round.
