🚨 Official: Camp Nou to host 2029 Champions League final

The AFC Champions League Elite kicked off with mixed results for UAE clubs. Shabab Al Ahli claimed a 1-0 win at home against Iranian side Tractor, thanks to an opportunistic strike from Brazilian-UAE international Yuri Cesar. Al Wasl, on the other hand, suffered a 2-1 defeat in Saudi Arabia to Al Qadsiah. Shabab Al Ahli's Brazilian-born player Cesar capitalized on a Tractor mistake to score the winning goal in stoppage time.

Al Ahli Saudi, the defending champions, had to rely on a late goal to secure a 1-1 draw against Pakhtakor. Goalkeeper Vladimir Nazarov put up a strong defensive performance, but Flamarion scored five minutes from time to give Pakhtakor the lead. Firas Al Brikan leveled the score in the third minute of stoppage time, salvaging a point for Al Ahli.

Al Ittihad faced tough competition from Al Shamal, who scored a goal through Baghdad Bounedjah in the first half. However, Georginio Wijnaldum, the club's summer signing, equalized with a goal in the 94th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Al Ittihad's German coach Jens Wissing reflected on the match, acknowledging the difficulty they faced against a strong team. He remained optimistic, stating that the team did not lose hope and that it was a fair draw.