Excitement Surrounding the Asian Champions League Elite

With Cristiano Ronaldo, often hailed as the greatest of all time (GOAT), now showcasing his talent in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the interest in Asia’s premier club competition has reached unprecedented heights. The Asian Champions League features 24 of the most elite clubs in Asia competing for regional supremacy and continental glory.

Saudi Arabian teams have significantly raised the stakes by attracting top international stars, with renowned players like Brazilian forward Neymar, English Premier League champion Riyad Mahrez, and Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić gracing the pitches of the region.

In a surprising twist, Tehran-based Esteghlal’s match has been relocated, setting the stage for CR7’s Al Nassr to face them at Rashid Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday, October 22. However, Dubai’s enthusiasm for the tournament doesn’t stop here.

Al Wasl, the champions of the UAE Pro League last season, are proudly representing Dubai in this year’s Asian Champions League. Meanwhile, Al Ain, the reigning champions of Asia’s top club competition, continue to make their mark in Abu Dhabi. This illustrious UAE club made a stunning comeback from a 2-1 first-leg defeat against Yokohama F. Marinos, obliterating the Japanese side with a 5-1 victory in the second leg of last season’s final.

This year, the Asian Champions League has been rebranded as the Asian Champions League Elite, adopting a refreshed format. As the new campaign unfolds, it’s essential to know where to catch the live action and discover some fantastic venues if you miss out on tickets.

Asian Champions League Elite Format 2024/25

For fans of European football, the revamped format of the Asian Champions League Elite may feel somewhat familiar, as it resembles recent changes in UEFA’s flagship club competition. Previously organized into groups of four across West and East Asia, the new structure features 24 teams divided into two league groups.

The groups consist of 12 teams, separated regionally: one group includes clubs from Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, while the other features teams from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand. Each team will compete in eight matches, with the top eight clubs based on their records advancing to the knockout stage.

Asian Champions League Elite Fixtures 2024/25

Al Wasl has at least three more home matches scheduled at Zabeel Stadium in Al Jaddaf during the league phase. The Asian Football Confederation has also recently moved matches originally slated for Iran to Rashid Stadium in Dubai due to ongoing travel restrictions in the region.

Previously, a World Cup 2026 qualifier between Iran and Qatar took place in Dubai, and the same applies to the matchup between Esteghlal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Should these restrictions persist, home matches for Tehran-based clubs Persepolis and Esteghlal may continue to be played in Dubai.

Al Wasl in the Asian Champions League Elite 24/25

• Pakhtakor 0 – Al Wasl 1. Tashkent, Uzbekistan. September 17
• Al Wasl 0 – Al-Ahli 2. Zabeel Stadium, Dubai. September 30
• Al-Gharafa vs Al Wasl. Al Khor, Qatar. October 22
• Al Wasl vs Al-Sadd. Zabeel Stadium, Dubai. November 4
• Al-Shorta vs Al Wasl. Karbala, Iraq. November 26
• Al Wasl vs Al-Rayyan. Zabeel Stadium, Dubai. December 2
• Al Nassr vs Al Wasl. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. February 2
• Al Wasl vs Al Hilal. Zabeel Stadium, Dubai. February 18

Rashid Stadium, the home ground of Dubai’s Shabab Al-Ahli, has also served as the venue for Esteghlal and the Iranian national team due to travel constraints. If these limitations continue, the following games, including another anticipated visit from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, could also be moved to Dubai:

• Persepolis vs Al-Gharafa. November 4
• Esteghlal vs Pakhtakor. November 25
• Persepolis vs Al-Shorta. December 2
• Esteghlal vs Al-Shorta. February 3
• Persepolis vs Al Nassr. February 17

In Abu Dhabi, Al Ain will host two more matches in the group phase at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, including a clash with Roberto Firmino’s and Ivan Toney’s Al Ahli:

• Al Ain vs Al-Ahli. November 25
• Al Ain vs Al-Rayyan. February 3

Dubai Bars Showing Asian Champions League Elite Matches 24/25

If you can’t make it to the stadium or simply want to catch Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates in action, numerous bars across Dubai will be screening the matches. The broadcasting rights for the AFC Champions League Elite are held by beIN Sports in the UAE, so any pubs that show English Premier League games are likely to feature Asia’s finest as well.

Barasti

Barasti is a go-to destination for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy the match. With high tables and lounge areas facing an enormous screen outdoors, along with smaller screens indoors, it ensures a fantastic viewing experience.

Open daily 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, barastibeach.com (04 318 1313).

Bedrock

A modern sports bar with a unique twist, Bedrock offers 20 TV screens for watching the Asian Champions League. Enjoy darts boards and a golf simulator to unwind after the match.

Open daily noon-2am. Pier 7 in Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, reception@bedrockdxb.ae (04 578 1668).

Belgian Café

Experience a taste of Belgium with special drinks and bites throughout the season. With giant screens showcasing all the league action, expect a lively environment.

Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights, belgianbeercafedubai.ae (04 423 4100).

Brooklyn Bar Dubai

With plenty of screens ensuring great visibility, Brooklyn Bar offers a solid draught beer selection. Enjoy daily happy hours, mixed drink jugs for Dhs125, and a pizza deal for Dhs100.

Open daily noon – 3am. Elite Byblos Hotel, Al Barsha, @brooklydubai (04 455 4800).

Coterie Social

This modern venue features 19 high-definition screens. The menu includes British comfort food, such as fish and chips, savory pies, and sticky toffee pudding.

Open daily 8am-2am. Level 2, IBN Battuta Mall (04 570 8072).

Fibber Magee’s

With screens all around, this beloved Irish pub is ideal for football viewing. Expect a lively atmosphere, perfect for fans looking for excitement.

Open daily 8am-3am. Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 332 2400).
Open Mon-Thu 9am-2am, Fri-Sat 9am-3am. Social Hotel, Barsha Heights. (04 332 2400)

Garden on 8

With numerous screens, including two massive ones on the terrace, this venue is an excellent choice for football enthusiasts. The menu features classic pub fare such as burgers and pizzas.

Open Sun-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City (04 427 1000).

Goose Island Tap House

Goose Island is not only a popular sports bar but also a great spot for friendly competitions before the match. With two locations in Dubai, it’s worth a visit.

Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. FIVE Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Village Circle, (04 455 9989).
Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri – Sat 10am – 3am, Sun 10am – 2am. FIVE LUXE, JBR, gooseislanddubai.com (04 275 9999).

McGettigan’s

Renowned for being one of the best places to catch sports in Dubai, McGettigan’s branches are equipped with numerous screens to ensure a great viewing experience.

Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri noon – 3am, Sat – Sun 10am-3am. Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster J, JLT (04 356 0470).
Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Dubai World Trade Centre (04 262 0407).
Open Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0062).
Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-2am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah (04 447 0219).
Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 10am-3am. The Walk, JBR (04 318 2580).
Open Mon – Wed 4pm – 1am, Thu and Sun noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South. (04 567 1400)

Mr Toad’s

This popular Premier Inn pub chain is quickly becoming an institution in Dubai. With affordable snacks and a daily happy hour, it’s a great place to enjoy the matches.

Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Hotel, Al Jaddaf (056 411 4602).
Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Barsha Heights Hotel, Al Khareef 2 Street (050 143 8751).
Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (04 885 1899).
Open daily 3pm-midnight. Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Hotel (04 278 2222).
Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis Hotel, E311 (04 336 3184).

The Irish Village

A favorite among sports fans, this acclaimed Irish pub is the perfect spot to catch the Premier League action. Having operated at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for over 20 years, it’s a cherished fixture in the city.

Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud (04 282 4750).
Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Studio One, Dubai Studio City (04 241 8444).

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