Shabab Al Ahli strengthen Asian title challenge with Al Hilal showdown ahead

Shabab Al Ahli moved level with fellow United Arab Emirates club Al Ain at the top of the AFC Champions League Elite’s West group after a 2-0 victory over Esteghlal Tehran.

The Dubai side secured a third consecutive win in the competition by beating their Iranian visitors at Rashid Stadium on Tuesday, taking their points total to nine.

Matheusao put Shabab Al Ahli ahead in the 69th minute. Sardar Azmoun supplied the assist with a precise pass, which Matheusao converted with a first-time finish.

Azmoun was involved again late on, creating the second goal in the 84th minute. This time he found Brazilian forward Juan Bizzera, who completed the move by driving a low right-footed shot into the net.

The goal was Bizzera’s first for Shabab Al Ahli since joining the club from Zamalek during the most recent summer transfer window.

Shabab Al Ahli are second in the West group, behind Al Ain only on goal difference. Their next match will take them to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Al Hilal at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Tuesday. The fixture is listed for 03 November 2026.

That game could have a significant bearing on the battle for first place. Al Hilal can also move to nine points if they beat Qatar’s Al Shamal in their third league-phase match on Tuesday.

The result against Esteghlal Tehran gives Shabab Al Ahli momentum before what will be their toughest test of the campaign so far. It also leaves them level on points with Al Ain after three rounds, with the two Emirati clubs currently setting the pace in the western section of the competition.