Asian Champions League: Al-Hilal draws against Shabab Al-Ahli and loses first points

Four-time champions Al-Hilal dropped their first points in the competition phase of the Asian Champions League Elite on Monday as Simone Inzaghi’s much-changed line-up was held to a 0-0 draw by Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

With qualification for the last 16 already confirmed after wins in the first six matches, Inzaghi made a host of changes to his squad for the Dubai encounter and the Saudi Pro League team struggled as a result pdf view.

However, the point won keeps Al-Hilal in pole position in the standings with one round to go, five points ahead of compatriot Al-Ahli in second place.

The defending champions were also held to a 0-0 draw, sharing the points with Al-Wahda in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al-Duhail shared a 1-1 draw with UAE’s Sharjah FC in Doha to maintain their hopes of cementing themselves in the top eight and securing a place in the next stage of the competition.

Igor Coronado put Sharjah ahead with a penalty in the 41st minute, but Adil Boulbina leveled eight minutes from time with his own penalty, which had to be taken twice after the visiting goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani had gone off his line early.

The result takes both clubs to eight points, two ahead of ninth-placed Al-Gharafa, who face Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad on Tuesday with a chance to progress to the qualifying places.

Uzbekistan’s Nasaf picked up his first point in the competition with a 1-1 draw against Iraq’s Al-Shorta, but the result means neither side can qualify.

Published on February 10, 2026