Sports
Al-Hilal Faces Gwangju in AFC Champions
Al-Hilal Faces Gwangju in AFC Champions
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal takes on South Korea’s Gwangju FC in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-2025, hosted at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium at 7:30 PM on Friday. The Asian Football Confederation has designated Jeddah to host the knockout stages—quarterfinals, semifinals, and final—starting April 25, featuring thrilling East vs. West Asia matchups.
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Elite Quarterfinal Lineup
The AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals include Japan’s Yokohama Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale, South Korea’s Gwangju FC, Thailand’s Buriram United, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli, alongside Qatar’s Al-Sadd. Al-Hilal secured their spot by topping the West Asia group with 22 points and defeating Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 4-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16.
Gwangju’s Historic Debut
Gwangju FC, making their AFC Champions League debut after finishing third in the 2023 K League, is the tournament’s only newcomer this year. They finished fourth in the East Asia group with 14 points and advanced past Japan’s Vissel Kobe with a 3-2 aggregate in the Round of 16. Notably, Gwangju is the first team since Vissel Kobe in 2020 to reach the quarterfinals in their inaugural participation.
Al-Hilal’s Home Advantage
Al-Hilal aims to leverage home support at the “Radiant Jewel” stadium to secure a semifinal spot. The team seeks to regain fan confidence after inconsistent results in the Saudi Pro League and an exit from the King’s Cup. Their star-studded foreign lineup includes Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi, Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Portuguese right-back João Cancelo, and midfielders Sergej Milinković-Savić (Serbia) and Rúben Neves (Portugal).
A Clash of Ambition
This match pits Al-Hilal’s experience and depth against Gwangju’s fearless debut. With Jeddah as the backdrop, fans anticipate a high-stakes showdown that could shape the tournament’s trajectory.
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Don’t Miss the Action
Al-Hilal vs. Gwangju promises intense competition in the AFC Champions League Elite. Tune in to see if Al-Hilal advances or if Gwangju continues their historic run.
