Overview
- The AFC Champions League Elite knockout stages, featuring quarterfinals through the final, will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 25 to May 3.
- Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, leads Al-Nassr against Yokohama F.Marinos, seeking his first ACL title with seven goals already this season.
- Yokohama F.Marinos, last year's runners-up, face challenges after firing coach Steve Holland and appointing Patrick Kisnorbo as interim manager.
- Al-Hilal, with a record four ACL titles, and Al-Ahli, two-time finalists, bolster Saudi Arabia's dominance in the tournament alongside Al-Nassr.
- The centralized, single-venue format marks a significant shift in the competition, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's investment in football and home advantage.