KUALA LUMPUR — The AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025 draw has set up an exciting knockout stage, with seven thrilling matches scheduled to take place in a centralized format from April 25 to May 3 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

With no regional restrictions in place, four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia, the top-seeded team, will face Gwangju FC of South Korea.

Meanwhile, second-seeded Yokohama F. Marinos from Japan will battle Al Nassr, as both sides aim for their first-ever AFC Champions League title.

Unbeaten in the competition so far, Al Ahli Saudi FC (nine wins and one draw) were drawn against Thailand’s Buriram United, while Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale will take on 2011 champions Al Sadd SC of Qatar.

The winners of the Al Hilal-Gwangju clash will face the victors of Al Ahli-Buriram, while the winners of Marinos-Al Nassr will meet the triumphant side from Frontale-Al Sadd in the semi-finals.

The knockout phase will kick off with the first quarter-final on April 25, followed by two more matches on April 26 and 27. The semi-finals will be held on April 29 and 30, leading up to the highly anticipated final on May 3 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The tournament promises ultimate glory and a record-breaking prize purse of at least $12 million for the champions. — SG