RSL trio advance as top three clubs in AFC Champions League Elite | OneFootball

Roshn Saudi League clubs took the top three spots in the AFC Champions League Elite group phase after the final round of matches was completed on Tuesday.

RSL champions Al Hilal progress to the last 16 as the West section group winners following their 2-0 victory at UAE counterparts Al Wasl in Dubai, when in-form Marcos Leonardo and Salem Dawsari got the goals.

Al Hilal, record four-time Asian champions, advance to the knockouts as one of two unbeaten teams alongside RSL counterparts Al Ahli.

Winning seven of eight group games, Jorge Jesus’ side, currently second in the 2024-25 RSL, will now face Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor across two legs in the first knockout stage next month.

Al Ahli, meanwhile, came home second in the group stage only on goal difference. Matthias Jaissle’s men, fifth in the domestic standings, matched Al Hilal with seven wins and a draw, and will now take on Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the last 16.

Meanwhile, Al Nassr finished third in the West region courtesy of five wins and two draws from their eight matches. In doing so, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side set up a two-legged encounter with Iran’s Esteghlal.

All three RSL clubs, who had each sealed their last-16 spots with three matches to spare, will play the first leg away from home, scheduled for Match 3 and 4, with the return to take place in the Kingdom the following week.