Julian Quinones and Mateo Retegui on target in AFC Champions League win

In the opening night of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase, UAE clubs experienced varied outcomes. Shabab Al Ahli emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Tractor, thanks to an opportunistic strike by Yuri Cesar in the 22nd minute. Tractor had started strong, with Sardar Azmoun's offside disallowed header and a missed strike by Rikelme. However, Cesar capitalized on a Tractor captain's mistake to score, with assistance from Julio Quinones.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based Al Wasl faced a tougher challenge at home, losing 2-1 to Al Wasl in Al Wasl. Mexican-born Quinones, a key player in Al Wasl's fourth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season, scored the opening goal. Retegui sealed the win with a close-range shot after halftime. Al Wasl managed to score a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

Al Ahli Saudi, the title defending champions, had to wait until the final minute of added time to secure a 1-1 draw against Pakhtakor. Flamarion opened the scoring, only for Firas Al Brikan to rescue a point for Al Ahli with a late goal. Al Ittihad also faced a difficult match against Al Shamal, trailing 1-0 before Georginio Wijnaldum rescued a point with a late equalizer.