Oman today_ In the final week of the Elite League in Asia’s western region, Esteghlal of Iran and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia advanced to the knockout stage with victories over Al-Rayyan of Qatar and Al-Wasl of the UAE, respectively. Al-Hilal secured the top spot with 7 wins and 1 draw, boasting the league’s best attacking record with 26 goals. Al-Ahli also achieved 7 wins and 1 draw, finishing in second place.
Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia claimed third place with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, and will face Esteghlal in the knockout stage. Al-Sadd of Qatar, with 3 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, secured fourth place and will compete against Al-Wasl in the Round of 16. Al-Wasl, after a defeat to Al-Hilal, remained in fifth place.
Esteghlal of Iran delivered an impressive 2-0 victory over Al-Rayyan, climbing from tenth to eighth place and securing a spot in the knockout stage. Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan, with a better goal difference than Persepolis, also finished in eighth place and will face Al-Hilal in the next round.