AFC Champions League Elite kicks off Monday with soccer stars in Saudi Arabia

The AFC Champions League Elite, a new tournament in Asian soccer, kicks off on Monday, featuring prominent players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Riyad Mahrez. These stars aim to lead their respective Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli, to success in the competition. The tournament has seen significant investment, with SPL clubs spending over $1 billion on transfers in recent years, enhancing the league's reputation on the global stage. Al-Hilal, the most successful team in Asia with four continental titles, will begin its campaign against Al-Rayyan from Qatar. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, who has won five UEFA Champions Leagues, seeks his first major trophy with Al-Nassr as they face Iraq's Al-Shorta. Mahrez and Al-Ahli will host Persepolis of Iran in Jeddah, showcasing the high stakes of this inaugural tournament. The Elite version has replaced the previous AFC Champions League format, reducing the number of participating teams from 40 to 24. The new structure features two groups of 12 teams, divided into east and west zones, with each team playing eight matches. The top eight teams will advance to the knockout stage, which will be held entirely in Saudi Arabia, further emphasizing the country's growing influence in Asian soccer. As the tournament unfolds, the performance of teams from the A-League, particularly the Central Coast Mariners, will be closely watched. Their success could lead to more opportunities for Australian clubs in future competitions, highlighting the evolving landscape of Asian soccer and the increasing competitiveness of the SPL.