The latest action in both the J League and the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) has delivered compelling results and shifting standings. In a high-stakes final match, Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli Saudi secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Japan’s Machida. The game, held at the KASC venue, ended with a sole goal separating the two teams, marking a key result for the ACLE tournament.
ACLE East Region Standings
In the East region, Machida continues to lead the table with 17 points from 8 matches, having won 5, drawn 2, and lost only once. They are closely followed by Kobe (16 points) and Hiroshima (15 points). Thailand’s Buriram United sits in fourth with 14 points, while Melbourne City holds fifth with the same tally.
- East Top 5: Machida (17 pts), Kobe (16), Hiroshima (15), Buriram United (14), Melbourne City (14)
ACLE West Region Standings
Over in the West region, Al Hilal dominates with an unbeaten record, accumulating 22 points from 7 wins and 1 draw. Al Ahli Saudi ranks second with 17 points, followed by Traktor (17), Al Ittihad (15), and Al Wahda (14).
- West Top 5: Al Hilal (22 pts), Al Ahli Saudi (17), Traktor (17), Al Ittihad (15), Al Wahda (14)
ACLE Top Scorers
The competition’s golden boot race sees Rafa Mujica of Al Sadd leading with 8 goals. Adil Bulbina (Al Duhail) and Hussain Al-Ahwal (Al Ittihad) share second place with 6 goals each. Japanese forward Yoshinori Muto of Kobe is tied for fourth with 4 goals, alongside Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli Saudi.
- Top Scorers: Rafa Mujica (Al Sadd) 8, Adil Bulbina (Al Duhail) 6, Hussain Al-Ahwal (Al Ittihad) 6, Yoshinori Muto (Kobe) 4, Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli Saudi) 4
The results set the stage for an exciting continuation of the ACLE campaign, with teams vying for top spots and knockout berths.