Mavericks of Asia: Mahrez and Aouar Spark the Elite Group XI
19 February 2026
A fiery battle unfolds in Asia's top competition as two Algerian stars take center stage in the Elite group stage Dream XI.
Two Algerian stars, Houssem Aouar from Ittihad and Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli, headline the ideal XI for the AFC Champions League Elite group stage after standout displays.
Mahrez propelled Al Ahli into the knockout rounds, collecting 17 points to finish second in West Asia's group, sealing a last-16 clash with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.
Meanwhile, Aouar delivered one of his best group campaigns, steering Ittihad to 15 points in fourth and a date with Al Wahda in the next round.
SofaScore highlighted seven Saudi Pro League players in the Dream XI, with defenders including Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Roger Ibanez (Al Ahli), and Yusuf Akcičik (Al Hilal), while Ali Reza Beiranvand (Tractor) shone in goal.
The midfield trio featured Robin Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić, powering the center, with Aouar pulling the strings and Mahrez providing the finish.
In attack, Jesse Lingard (Seoul), Felipe Silva (Chengdu Rongcheng), and Riyad Mahrez led the line.
The AFC Elite Group Stage Dream XI
Goalkeeper: Ali Reza Beiranvand (Tractor).
Defence: Theo Hernández (Al Hilal) - Roger Ibanez (Al Ahli) - Yusuf Akcičik (Al Hilal) - Daniel Esmailyfer (Tractor).
Midfield: Robin Neves (Al Hilal) - Houssem Aouar (Ittihad) - Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al Hilal).
Attack: Jesse Lingard (Seoul) - Felipe Silva (Chengdu Rongcheng) - Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli).
Beiranvand's presence and the defensive quartet, plus the dynamic midfield and lethal attack, underscore why Asia's Elite Group Stage gathered so much buzz.
Punchline 1: If football were a buffet, Mahrez and Aouar would be the main courses—savory, stylish, and somehow still under your budget. Punchline 2: And yes, if you blink, you might miss a highlight reel that could fund a small country's football program.
