Rating Saudi clubs’ chances in AFC Champions League Elite playoffs
AUSTRALIA: All roads lead to Jeddah this week as the top eight teams of this year’s AFC Champions League Elite converge on the coastal city to determine the best club in Asia.
Al-Hilal Sport News
Bilbao edge Las Palmas to close on Champions League qualification
BARCELONA: Inaki Williams fired Athletic Bilbao to a 1-0 home win over Las Palmas in La Liga on Wednesday to strengthen their chances of direct qualification for next season’s Champions League. The Basque side sit fourth with five games to go, eight points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal who suffered a 3-0 defeat at Celta Vigo, also on Wednesday. Bilbao also have a Europa League semifinal against Manchester United to come, and should they win that they will play the final in their home stadium. Five La Liga sides qualify for the Champions League this season.
Jeddah gears up for the AFC Champions League Elite finals
JEDDAH: Football fans throughout Asia are turning their eyes to Jeddah, as the coastal city known as the Bride of the Red Sea gears up to host the AFC Champions League Elite finals from April 25 to May 3,2025. The finals feature seven highly anticipated matches taking place in a new format with all matches played in King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City. Saudi clubs secured their places in the final rounds after impressive performances in the group stage. Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli topped their groups with 22 points each, undefeated, while Al-Nassr finished third with 17 points after just one loss. Four-time Asian champions Al-Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia will face Gwangju FC from South Korea. Yokohama F.
Al-Hilal win to keep in touch at the top
Al-Hilal won 2-0 at Al-Taawoun on Saturday to cut Al-Ittihad’s lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League back to four points.
Tsitsipas sets up final clash with Auger-Aliassime at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
DUBAI: Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for a third time in four appearances after easing past Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 on Friday.
England wins the toss and bats against South Africa in Champions Trophy match
KARACHI: In his final game as captain, Jos Buttler won the toss and England decided to bat against South Africa at the Champions Trophy. England is already out of the tournament with two straight defeats — it lost to Australia by five wickets and to Afghanistan by eight runs. Buttler announced on Friday that he would step down after England’s surprising exit, as well as its past failures in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 Cricket World Cup. South Africa is in a must-win position in the final group B game — victory against England will confirm its top spot from the group and a place in the semifinals. The Proteas have made two changes — skipper Temba Bavuma and batter Tony de Zorzi miss out owing to illness.
Casteels stands tall as Al-Qadsiah continue to rise in the Saudi Pro League
LONDON: Something special is happening at Al-Qadsiah this season. Since returning to the Saudi Pro League after a five-year absence, coach Michel’s side — emboldened by a host of new summer arrivals — is defying expectations and stands on the brink of a historic campaign.
Real Madrid close in on Vinicius contract extension amid Saudi interest
MADRID: Real Madrid are close to agreeing a contract extension with Vinicius Jr. after discussions began in January amid interest from Saudi Arabia to sign FIFA’s Player of the Year to a record-breaking deal, multiple sources told Reuters on Thursday.