Al Ain: The 2017 AFC Champions League quarter-finals kick off on Monday with a clash of the heavyweights between the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Al Ain
Since winning the inaugural edition of the revamped continental competition, Al Ain have twice returned to the final although have been unable to repeat the feat.
But, after losing out to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in last year’s final, the Garden City side have come back in style by topping Group C ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, Zobahan of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor.
A first defeat arrived away at Esteghlal in the first leg of the last 16 but Zoran Mamic’s side rebounded superbly by reversing a 1-0 deficit to win 6-1 at home and 6-2 on aggregate.
Captain Omar Abdulrahman has been in scintillating form and leads the scoring and assists charts, while Al Hilal will also have to be wary of Caio, the returning Douglas and new signing Marcus Berg in what is a strong-looking frontline.
Al Hilal
Historically, Al Hilal have been one of the most successful clubs on the continent, yet a 2014 final defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers has been the closest the side has come to lifting the AFC Champions League.
The Riyadh club have advanced to the knockout stages every year since 2009, continuing that trend in the current campaign by winning Group D ahead of Persepolis, Al Rayyan and Al Wahda.
A pair of 2-1 victories over Esteghlal Khouzestanin the Round of 16 saw Al Hilal advance to the last eight with few problems but they will now face their sternest test yet against an in-form Al Ain.
Like the Emiratis, Al Hilal have game-changers in the attacking third, with Syrian Omar Khribin, Brazilian Carlos Eduardo and Uruguayan Nicolas Milesi all threats in front of goal.
Ones To Watch:
Al Ain v Al Hilal
Venue: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Kick-off: August 21, 19:50 UTC+4
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com