Overview

• The AFC Champions League Elite semifinals feature three Saudi Pro League teams—Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nassr—alongside Kawasaki Frontale, the only East Asian representative.
• Al-Hilal will be without João Cancelo due to a hamstring injury in their semifinal clash with Al-Ahli, a matchup between two Saudi heavyweights on April 29.
• Kawasaki Frontale secured their first-ever semifinal berth with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Qatar's Al-Sadd, led by captain Yasuto Wakizaka’s decisive goal.
• Saudi clubs have showcased their dominance with a combined 14-1 scoreline across three quarterfinals, fueled by nearly $1 billion in transfer spending since 2023.
• The tournament's centralized knockout format in Jeddah provides Saudi teams with home-field advantage, with the final set for May 3 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.