Saudi Pro League clubs set the pace in AFC Champions League Elite points record

Saudi Pro League clubs have established themselves as the most successful sides in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite, collecting 150 points since the competition adopted its current format.

The figure was recorded after the halfway point of the league phase in the tournament’s third season under its revamped structure. Saudi clubs lead the historical standings by 12 points from their Japanese counterparts, who are second on 138.

The AFC Champions League Elite was introduced in its present form at the start of the 2024-25 season. The previous group-stage system was replaced by a single league phase, with clubs divided into West and East regions.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, teams from the Saudi Pro League have continued to dominate the new format across all three seasons.

They collected 61 points during the 2024-25 campaign, followed by 54 points last season. Their tally for the current season stands at 35 points after half of the league phase has been completed, taking their overall total to 150.

Saudi clubs also hold a substantial advantage over the other teams in the West region. UAE clubs are third in the historical standings with 70 points – fewer than half the total accumulated by Saudi Pro League sides.

The gap between the two countries’ clubs is 80 points, while Saudi teams have scored 12 more points than the Japanese clubs occupying second place overall.

Saudi Pro League clubs are also the only teams to have won the AFC Champions League Elite since the competition’s format was changed. Al Ahli have secured the title during the past two seasons, making them the sole champions of the tournament in its current form.