Elite Asia Knockouts: Dates Set in Jeddah, Big Clashes Loom

Knockout Dates

The continental championship will enter its final stages next month.

Several outlets revealed the exact dates for the Elite Asia Champions League Round of 16 matches, following a prior postponement.

The plans had called for two-legged ties on March 2-3 and 9-10, but the schedule changes came after Iran's strikes on several Arab nations.

Matchups and Venues

The Asian Football Confederation announced that the Round of 16 would be decided in single matches, hosted in the Saudi city of Jeddah on April 13 and 14.

Saudi journalist Hamid Al-Garnee, via X, published the precise dates, with two matches on April 13 and two more on April 14.

On April 13, Al Hilal will meet Al Sadd at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, while Al Ahli Saudi will play Al Duhail at King Abdullah Sports City (Al Enmaa).

On April 14, Al Ittihad will face Al Wahda, and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai will take on Tractor S.C.

If Hilal advance, they could meet an East Asian side in the quarterfinal on April 16, at King Abdullah Sports City.

Al Ahli are the defending champions after beating Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in last season's final.

Punchlines: If this game runs long, at least the snacks will stay fresh. Football and coffee—both best enjoyed with a dramatic finish.