![]() ![]() While technically still a semifinal and with no actual prize on offer, the ACL's zonal segregation means that the winners of Sunday's tie effectively earn bragging rights as the competition's best team in the west for a year at least - with East Zone finalists Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan's J1 League awaiting in the two-legged final to be contested later this year.Ī cursory glance at the personnel of both teams suggests a similarly high level of talent, which should make for quite the spectacle this weekend, but the differing histories of the two clubs will only add to the narrative.įirst, there are the old masters Al Hilal, the ACL's record four-time champions who are gunning for a third title in four years and are fresh off the back of an inspired run to the FIFA Club World Cup final, where they lost to LaLiga giants Real Madrid in a 5-3 thriller.Īl Hilal's pedigree in Asia's premier club competition is undeniable and, while the spotlight in recent times has fallen on domestic rivals Al Nassr following their capture of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, they have no shortage of star quality. ![]() So it is rather difficult to find fault with this weekend's AFC Champions League West Zone decider - which will pit reigning champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia against Qatari heavyweights Al Duhail, after both teams successfully made it past the quarterfinals on Thursday.Īl Duhail were the first team to advance as a Michael Olunga double proved enough to secure a 2-1 victory over another Saudi Pro League outfit in Al Shabab, before Al Hilal toiled to a 1-0 triumph over Iran's Foolad after Moussa Marega bagged the winner with just three minutes remaining. ![]()
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