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AFC Champions League Elite

AFC Champions League Elite news

Al Ahli v Al Najmah: Saudi Pro League

Toney & Al-Ahli claim AFC Champions League glory in heated final

Ivan Toney has added another prestigious piece of silverware to his collection as Al-Ahli successfully defended their AFC Champions League Elite crown. The Saudi giants overcame Japanese debutants Machida Zelvia in a gruelling, ill-tempered final that required extra time to find a winner. The match was defined by its physical nature and disciplinary issues, as the Saudi side played with ten men for nearly an hour.

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Al Hilal v Al Ittihad: Saudi Pro League

In a surprise boardroom decision that sent shockwaves through the club, manager Sérgio Conceição has been abruptly sacked, triggering widespread anger among fans and players alike

The Portuguese manager is currently navigating one of the most challenging periods of his distinguished career at the Saudi club. Having steered the side to domestic success in recent seasons, he now faces mounting pressure from fans, officials and the media. Results have slipped, squad morale appears fragile, and the familiar aura of invincibility has faded. Behind the scenes, the coaching staff are working to identify the root causes, from tactical mismatches to cultural adjustments, while the board monitors progress with growing concern. Supporters who once hailed the mentor as a modern-day conquistador now voice doubts about his long-term future in the kingdom. In the short term, the club’s hierarchy remains publicly supportive, insisting that form is cyclical and that experience will ultimately prevail. Nevertheless, football is a results-driven business, and another run of poor performances could force a rethink. For now, the focus is on stability, unity and the search for a swif