The Inquest Begins, Why Saudi Pro League Clubs Failed in the AFC Champions League
With marquee signings like Neymar, Benzema, and Sadio Mane joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, there was an expectation that the Saudi Pro League clubs would dominate the AFC Champions League.
The level of investment going into major clubs in the SPL showed ambition and a commitment to transform football in Saudi Arabia and Asia.
With four clubs entering the AFC Champions League this season, including Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Fayha, the Saudi Pro League’s chances in the competition were rated highly.
Brimming with the pedigree and experience of players like Benzema and N’Golo Kante at Al Ittihad, Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic at Al-Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane at Al Nassr, the SPL was expected to take the AFC Champions League by storm.
However, one by one, SPL clubs have dropped out of the AFC Champions League, with dominant leaders of the Saudi Pro League Al-Hilal the last to be knocked out by Al Ain on Tuesday at the semi-final stage.
The failure of SPL clubs in the AFC Champions League will be a topic of discussion in the corridors of power in Saudi football.
However, giving it time is necessary before the dominance shines through. Most clubs will take time before the acquired talent settles in the Saudi Pro League and translates their talent into on-field dominance domestically and continentally.
Injuries can also explain the failure of some of the clubs in the continental tournament. Al Hilal is a prime example, who missed their top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and their marquee signing, Neymar, for the second leg against Al Ain.
Managers at Saudi clubs also need to develop a street-wise approach to games. Tactical flexibility will allow them to avoid losing heavily away from home, as Al Hilal did away to the UAE, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
