Al Gharafa players during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa will face a tough test against Al Ahli Saudi FC of Saudi Arabia as they aim to secure their berth in the knockout stage of AFC Champions League Elite (West) at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah today.
Al Gharafa hold seventh position in the standings, having accumulated seven points from two victories against Al Ain of the UAE and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan along with a draw against Persepolis of Iran. However, they have also faced defeats against Esteghlal of Iran, Al Wasl of the UAE, Al Nassr and Al Hilal, both of Saudi Arabia.
Conversely, Al Ahli Saudi are positioned second with 19 points, sharing the same total as Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, who lead the table based on goal difference.
This match presents an opportunity for Al Gharafa to enhance their standing in the league, with their primary objective being to achieve victory and progress to the Round of 16 in the tournament.
Top eight clubs from each zone will qualify for the Round of 16, followed by the quarterfinals in Saudi Arabia from April 25 to May 4, 2025.
Al Sadd target win over Pakhtakor
Meanwhile, Al Sadd are ready to take on Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent today.
Al Sadd have already qualified for the round of 16 in the tournament but the Wolves are targeting for a win ahead of the knockout stage. Pakhtakor, on the other hand, will present a formidable challenge as they strive for a win to maintain their hopes of advancing to the next stage.
Al Sadd hold 12 points, placing them fourth in the standings, trailing behind Al Hilal and Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in that order, who have 19 points, and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, who are in third with 16 points.
Al Sadd started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Ain of the UAE in the first round. They followed it up with a 2-0 victory over Esteghlal of Iran in the second round, a 1-0 win against Persepolis of Iran in third and another 1-1 draw with Al Wasl of the UAE.
Their fifth-round match against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia also ended in a 1-1 draw, but they secured a significant 2-1 victory against Al Nassr at Al Awal Park Stadium in sixth. However, they faced their first defeat in the tournament in the seventh round, losing 1-3 to Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
Pakhtakor are positioned 10th with four points, having drawn four matches and lost three, without securing a single victory.
