Having lifted the AFC Champions League™ title for a second time in 2023/24, much was expected of Al Ain in the inaugural season of the AFC Champions League Elite. Instead, their dismal run saw the departure of Hernan Crespo with Portuguese Leonardo Jardim brought in to stabilise them.

 

Jardim, who won the AFC Champions League title with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal SFC in 2021, didn't have much time to work his magic on Al Ain as his two matches in charge prior to the break only garnered one point.

 

With just two games remaining, Al Ain need maximum points to stand a chance and Jardim, having had time to work with the squad, will expect a fighting performance against Al Rayyan.

The Qatari side, however, will not be pushovers as they - in seventh place with five points - are very much in the race for a spot in the Round of 16.

 

Victories in their final two matches will confirm Al Rayyan their spot in the knockout stage, having only achieved the feat once in their 12 appearances in the AFC Champions League era.

Venue: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium (Al Ain)

Kick-off: Monday, 18:00 (UTC+4)