Duhail drawn with Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Persepolis

Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail were drawn with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for the AFC Champions League group stage, the draw for which was held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Other than Saudi giants, Duhail’s other rivals in Group E are Iranian giants Persepolis and Tajikistan’s Istiklol.
The 2011 continental champions Al Sadd find themselves in a relatively easier Group B, which also has Uzbekistan’s Nasaf, Al Faisaly of Jordan and Sharjah FC of UAE.
The draw saw the 40 teams divided into 10 groups – five each in the East and West Zones. The 10 group winners along with the three best runners-up of each Zone will book their places in the Knockout Stages, which will take place from February to April before the final is held over two legs on May 11 and 18, 2024.
Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan will kick off the defence in Group J with Wuhan Three Towns, Pohang Steelers and Hanoi FC. Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC – who won the 2019 and 2021 titles and were runners-up last season – were drawn in Group D against Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran FC, Mumbai City FC of India and Uzbekistan’s Navbahor.
The West Zone’s Group A will be contested by Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, debutants Al Fayha of Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan’s Ahal and UAE’s Al Ain. Group C will witness exciting contests between two-time winners Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, Sepahan SC of Iran, Iraq’s Air Force Club and Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC.
Group F of the East Zone will involve two-time winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC South Korea, Thailand’s Bangkok United, Lion City Sailors of Singapore and Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC.
Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, Shandong Taishan FC of China, Philippines’ Kaya FC-Iloilo and Incheon United of South Korea the Group G cast.
Thailand’s Buriram United, Ventforet Kofu of Japan, Australia’s Melbourne City FC and Zhejiang FC of China will battle it out in Group H while twice winners Ulsan Hyundai FC of South Korea, Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia and Thailand’s BG Pathum United are in the race to advance from Group I.
Saudi Pro League stars Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema will get their first taste of Asian Champions League football, where they will seek to power their clubs to victory against sides from central to east Asia.
With billions of dollars in oil wealth, Saudi Arabia has been on a buying spree of sports assets as part of plans to diversify its economy and attract tourism and investment. Al Hilal leads the AFC Champions League for most title wins, with four to its name.
With Brazilian playmaker Neymar in their ranks for the 2023-24 season, Al Hilal hope to win the title for a record fifth time.
Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad will have their sights set on a first Asian Champions League title since winning back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 after securing the services of French stars Benzema and N’Golo Kante.