Mahrez and Aouar headline AFC Champions League group stage best XI

Algerian stars Riyad Mahrez and Houssem Aouar have been named among the standout performers of the AFC Champions League elite group stage, earning places in the competition’s ideal lineup after impressive displays.

Mahrez played a decisive role in guiding Al-Ahli to the round of 16, with the Saudi side collecting 17 points to finish second in the West Asia standings. Their qualification has set up a knockout clash against Al-Duhail.

Meanwhile, Aouar delivered one of his strongest performances in the tournament for Al-Ittihad, helping his team secure 15 points and fourth place in the group. That finish earned Al-Ittihad a meeting with Al-Wahda in the next round.

The football statistics platform SofaScore unveiled the official team of the group stage, which notably featured seven players from Saudi Pro League clubs.

In goal, Iranian international Alireza Beiranvand of Tractor earned selection. The defensive line included Theo Hernandez and Yusuf Akcicek from Al-Hilal, alongside Brazilian centre back Roger Ibanez of Al-Ahli and Daniel Ismailever, also representing Tractor.

Midfield was anchored by Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, both of Al-Hilal, alongside Aouar. In attack, Mahrez was joined by Jesse Lingard of FC Seoul and Felipe Silva from Chengdu Rongcheng.

The selections underline the growing influence of Saudi Pro League clubs in continental competition, with Mahrez and Aouar emerging as two of the tournament’s most influential figures during the group stage.