The ties and the path to the Final were determined during last month’s draw, which marked the first time that there will be no regional division of West and East teams since the 2013 edition.

 

Consequently, teams in three of the four last-eight matches will meet each other for the very first time, reinforcing the thrill and unpredictability of the ACL Elite Finals Jeddah 2025.

Former champions Al Hilal SFC and Al Sadd SC are aiming to lift the trophy again, while the other six contenders – including debutants Gwangju FC – will hope to win a historic maiden crown under the ACL banner, which kicked off with the 2002/23 edition.

 

The highly anticipated Quarter-finals open with a clash between two teams on the opposite ends of the spectrum as Al Hilal take on Gwangju at the King Abdullah Sports City at 7.30pm.

The Saudi giants, who topped the League Stage (West) and are eyeing a third title after their 2019 and 2021 triumphs in the modern era, have reached this stage in the ACL for an 11th time – a joint-record with Korea Republic’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC – on their 19th participation, also a record, shared with Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor. The 2023/24 Saudi Pro League champions, who have failed to advance from the last eight only twice previously, are meeting a Korea Republic club for the third time in the ACL, having encountered Ulsan HD FC in 2012 and Pohang Steelers in 2021.

 

For their opponents, everything about this ACL Elite campaign has been a fresh experience. Gwangju’s best-ever finish of third in the 2023 K League 1 season secured Continental football for the first time and made them the only debutants in the competition. The Korea Republic outfit finished fourth in the League Stage (East) and sensationally extended their dream run with a 3-0 extra-time second-leg Round of 16 win against Vissel Kobe, having lost 2-0 in the first leg; incidentally, they are the first debutants to reach the ACL Quarter Finals since Vissel themselves in 2020.

Two fixtures are scheduled for Saturday, April 26, with the first at 7.30pm at the King Abdullah Sports City featuring Al Ahli Saudi FC and Buriram United. The former, who ended their League Stage (West) campaign in second, have reached the last eight on five occasions previously and progressed once – in 2012, when they reached the Final. Thrice winners of the Saudi Pro League, Al Ahli Saudi will aim to go all the way in their 13th ACL appearance and first since 2021.

 

No Thai club has more ACL appearances – nine – than Buriram and the 2023/24 Thai League 1 champions have made it to the Quarter-finals for a second time, making them the second team from an ASEAN Member Association to do so after Australia’s Adelaide United (2008 and 2012). The Thunder Castle, who placed sixth in the League Stage (East), will set their sights on attaining a first Semi-final berth.

Just over 33 years on from their previous encounter, Yokohama F. Marinos and Al Nassr Club square off for a third time at 10.30pm at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium. Then known as Nissan Motors, the Japanese side ran out 5-0 winners in the second leg of their Asian Cup Winners’ Cup final to claim the title 6-1 on aggregate.

 

The Marinos, who completed the League Stage (East) at the top of the standings, can reach a second consecutive Final here, after advancing to their first one in the 2023/24 edition where they lost out to Al Ain FC. Finishing third in the League Stage (West), Al Nassr have progressed to their fifth ACL Quarter-final and will aim to reach the last four for a third time, following their Semi-final achievements in 2020 and 2021.

The final last-eight game takes place on Sunday, April 27 at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium at 7.30pm between Kawasaki Frontale and Al Sadd, who finished second and fourth respectively in the League Stage.

 

Having stumbled at this stage on three previous occasions (2007, 2009, 2017), Frontale will be determined to make it to the Semi-finals for the first time on their 11th ACL showing – the most by any Japanese team. Their opponents will try to move into the last four for the fourth time in six attempts on their 17th ACL involvement, as they dream of adding a second title to their 2011 triumph – an achievement that made Al Sadd the first – and to date, only – Qatari team to lift the trophy.

 

Following the Quarter-finals, the King Abdullah Sports City will stage the Semi-finals on April 29 and 30, as well as the mouthwatering Final on May 3 to crown Asia’s finest.