Big-spending Saudi clubs including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are dominating the Asian Champions League Elite, accounting for all but one of the semi-finalists in action this week.
In three quarter-finals played on the weekend, the three Saudi Pro League teams won with a combined scoreline of 14-1. At least one is guaranteed a place in the final on May 3 as four-time champion Al-Hilal meet two-time finalists Al-Ahli in the first of the two semis at Jeddah.
With all play-off games taking place in Jeddah, there is home advantage and big crowds supporting the three domestic clubs that are laden with high-profile international stars.
In the summer transfer window of 2023, Saudi clubs spent almost US$1 billion and it is making a difference in Asian competition.
On Wednesday, Al-Nassr take on Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, the only non-Saudi club still in contention for the continental title. Kawasaki, through a winning goal by captain Yasuto Wakizaka, edged 2011 champions Al-Sadd of Qatar 3-2 after extra time on Sunday to advance to the semi-finals for the first time.
Kawasaki Frontale coach Shigetoshi Hasebe said he was determined to prove east Asian teams could match the firepower of their big-spending rivals.
