Holders Al-Ahli to face former winners Al-Ain in Asian Champions League

Aug 18 : Back-to-back champions Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia will take on 2024 winners Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the league phase of the Asian Champions League Elite after the draw for the expanded competition was conducted in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Al-Ahli, now coached by Marino Pusic after Matthias Jaissle left to join Newcastle United, will also play Qatari trio Al-Sadd, Al-Shamal and Al-Gharafa as well as Emirati sides Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Wasl plus Uzbekistan's Neftchi and Pakhtakor.The league phase has been increased from 24 to 32 teams with the opening round to commence on September 14 and finish on February 17.Japan's Kashima Antlers, the last team from east Asia playing in the current edition to have won the title, will face twice winners Jeonbuk Motors from South Kore