Shabab Al Ahli go level with Al Ain at top of AFC Champions League Elite before Al Hilal clash

Shabab Al Ahli moved level with fellow UAE side Al Ain at the top of the AFC Champions League Elite’s West group with a 2-0 win against Esteghlal Tehran, one week before a crucial meeting with Al Hilal.

The Dubai-based side secured their third consecutive victory in the competition by beating the Iranian club at Rashid Stadium on Tuesday, 03 November 2026.

The match remained goalless until the 69th minute, when Mateusao gave Shabab Al Ahli the lead. The Brazilian finished first time after receiving a precise pass from Sardar Azmoun, sending his shot into the net.

Azmoun played a role in the second goal 15 minutes later, creating the opportunity for fellow Brazilian Juan Bezerra. The forward struck a low right-footed effort past the Esteghlal Tehran goalkeeper in the 84th minute.

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

The victory took Shabab Al Ahli to nine points from three matches. They are second in the West group on goal difference, with Al Ain occupying first place on the same number of points.

Their next assignment is a visit to Saudi Arabia to face Al Hilal at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. It will be Shabab Al Ahli’s most demanding test of the league phase so far.

The meeting could have a major bearing on the battle for first place, particularly if Al Hilal defeat Qatar’s Al Shamal in their third league-phase fixture on Tuesday. A victory would also take Al Hilal to nine points.

Shabab Al Ahli will therefore arrive in Riyadh with a perfect record in the competition, while Al Hilal could enter the match level with both UAE clubs at the top of the standings.