{
  "id": 13872643,
  "title": "Ivan Toney in outstanding form but UAE’s Al Wasl can cause upset: AFC Champions League talking points",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/ivan-toney-in-outstanding-form-but-uaes-al-wasl-can-cause-upset-afc",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T04:22:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/10/12/ivan-toney-in-outstanding-form-but-uaes-al-wasl-can-cause-upset-afc-champions-league-talking-points/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AFC Champions League enthusiasts have much to discuss as the tournament kicks off this week. While UAE clubs have been striving to catch up with their star-studded Saudi Arabian counterparts in recent years, Al Wasl might just have what it takes to challenge for honors this season. Al Ain made a strong statement at the start of the AFC Champions League Elite season with a 4-0 victory against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Now, Al Wasl has the chance to make their mark against Saudi opposition when they host Al Ahli at Zabeel on Monday night. Ivan Toney, Al Ahli's English striker, has been in outstanding form, scoring 11 goals in eight games for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League despite the team's three losses during that span. Al Wasl has started the season on a high note as well, losing only once in the UAE Pro League and leading the scoring charts. The Jeddah giants, now coached by Marino Pusic, will be eager to regain their footing after a disappointing start to their domestic campaign.",
  "summary": "UAE clubs might have been battling to bridge the gap to their star-studded Saudi Arabian rivals in recent seasons. But there are signs that sides from the Emirates could challenge for honours in the AFC Champions League again this term. Al Ain made a major statement when they thrashed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr 4-0 on the opening day of the AFC Champions League Elite season last month. Now Al…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Ivan Toney in outstanding form but UAE’s Al Wasl can cause upset: AFC Champions League talking points",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/ivan-toney-in-outstanding-form-but-uaes-al-wasl-can-cause-upset-afc-13877865",
        "published": "2026-10-12T04:22:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}