Al-Ahli to host Qatar’s Al-Gharafa in AFC Elite Champions League
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli face Al-Gharafa of Qatar in Jeddah on Monday in the third round of the AFC Elite Champions League, aiming to extend their strong run.
Key Takeaways
AIAl-Ahli will host Qatar’s Al-Gharafa on Monday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, as part of the third round of the AFC Elite Champions League for the 2026-2027 football season.
Al-Ahli, winners of the past two editions, are looking to continue their positive results and boost their points tally after defeating the UAE’s Al-Wasl in the second round. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa are seeking their first win of the tournament to revive their hopes of reaching the round of 16.
Al-Ahli enter the match with a historical advantage, having gone unbeaten in their last six meetings with Al-Gharafa in the competition, with three wins and three draws, following losses in their first two encounters. Al-Ahli have also scored in seven of their eight matches against the Qatari side.
Al-Ahli aim to strengthen their defensive stability after conceding in both previous matches, including a late equalizer against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in the opening round. Al-Gharafa, on the other hand, know the importance of a positive result after setbacks in the first two rounds, especially as they have lost their last four matches in the tournament, scoring twice and conceding 13 goals.
West Zone fixtures in round three
Uzbekistan’s Neftchi face Al-Ittihad in Fergana.
UAE’s Al-Ain meet Iran’s Tractor in Al-Ain.
Al-Qadsiah host Qatar’s Al-Sadd in Dammam.
Al-Nassr take on UAE’s Al-Wasl in Riyadh.
Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya play Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in Baghdad.
Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE face Iran’s Esteghlal in Dubai on Tuesday.
Qatar’s Al-Shamal meet Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in Al-Khor on Tuesday.
Al-Ain lead the West Zone standings with six points, ahead of Iran’s Esteghlal, Al-Hilal, and Shabab Al-Ahli on goal difference. Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah each have four points, while Al-Nassr and Neftchi have three. Pakhtakor and Al-Shamal are on two points, with Al-Ittihad and Tractor on one, and Al-Gharafa, Al-Wasl, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Al-Sadd yet to earn a point.
The league stage sees each team play eight opponents, with the top eight clubs from each zone advancing to the round of 16 in March 2027. The knockout stages will be held in Saudi Arabia.