DOHA: Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan bolstered their chances of advancing to the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite Competition with hard-fought victories. Al Gharafa secured a narrow 1-0 win over Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, while Al Rayyan triumphed 2-1 against the UAE’s Al Ain. Meanwhile, Al Sadd, the Doha-based giants and former continental champions, suffered a disappointing 1-3 defeat to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. In other Western Region matches held on Monday and Tuesday, Iran’s Esteghlal drew 1-1 with Iraq’s Police FC in Tehran, Saudi powerhouse Al-Nassr dominated the UAE’s Al-Wasl 4-0 in Riyadh, and Al-Hilal delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Iran’s Persepolis, also in Riyadh. Al Hilal continues to lead the Western Region standings with 19 points from seven matches, edging out Al Ahli on goal difference. Al Nassr follows with 16 points, while Al Sadd sits in fourth with 12 points. Al Wasl (11 points), Al Rayyan (8 points), and Al Gharafa (7 points) remain in contention, with Esteghlal and Persepolis tied at 6 points. Pakhtakor (4 points), Al Shorta (3 points), and Al Ain (2 points) round out the table. Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Sadd, and Al Wasl have already secured their spots in the Round of 16. The final round of Western Zone matches will take place on February 17 and 18, 2025. On February 17, Pakhtakor will face Al Sadd, Persepolis will clash with Al Nassr, Al Shorta will meet Al Ain, and Al Ahli will take on Al Gharafa. The following day, Al Wasl will battle Al Hilal, and Al Rayyan will go head-to-head with Esteghlal. The top eight teams from the Western Region will qualify for the Round of 16, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the group stage.