AFC Champions League Elite - League Stage Draw: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Tuesday's AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage Draw produced an outstanding set of fixtures, leaving fans waiting in anticipation.

As we eagerly await the action kicking off on September 14, the-AFC.com highlights several takeaways from the Draw which was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

AFC Champions League Elite™ 2026/27 League Stage Draw | HIGHLIGHTS

Former champs in Al Ahli's way

Two-time defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC will be confident of advancing to the Round of 16 despite the presence of two former winners - Qatar's Al Sadd SC and UAE's Al Ain FC - among their eight League Stage opponents. The Saudi Pro League side - seeking to be the first side to lift three consecutive titles - open their campaign against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor. Also aiming to derail them will be Al Wasl FC, Shabab Al Ahli (both UAE), Al Gharafa, Al Shamal (both Qatar) and PFC Neftchi (Uzbekistan).

Al Hilal to renew Al Ain rivalry

The Draw set the stage for an Al Hilal SFC-Al Ain showdown, with the latter having stunned their illustrious Saudi Arabian opponents enroute to lifting the title in 2023/24. Al Hilal topped the League stage in the last two editions but missed out on glory and renewing their rivalry with Al Ain could well be the spark they need to emerge champions for the first time since 2021.

JDT avoid Japanese pitfalls

Despite the presence of five Japanese sides, Johor Darul Ta'zim amazingly avoided all of them. The Malaysian champions, however, will face all three Thailand sides and given the regional rivalry, fans can expect fiery contests.

Focus on China PR sides

Teams from China PR have not experienced much cheer in recent editions of the tournament and Shanghai Port FC and Beijing FC will be determined to avoid slow starts. Both face challenging draws but if they can start their campaigns on the front foot, it will go a long way in boosting confidence and end China PR's recent pain on the continental stage.

Debutants set for tough tests

Al Shamal SC and Kyoto Sanga FC would have experienced mixed feelings following the Draw, with both set to make their continental debuts. Showdowns with some of the continent's most decorated sides await but both should relish the upcoming challenges and aim as high as possible.

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