Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Hilal: AFC Champions League Elite Preview
London, 9 February 2026 – The AFC Champions League Elite returns tonight as UAE giants Shabab Al Ahli host Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai. This Matchday 7 fixture in Group B carries significant weight for both sides, with Al Hilal looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in the competition while Shabab Al Ahli aim to capitalise on home advantage in this high-stakes West Zone encounter.
Match Overview
Al Hilal arrive in Dubai following a dominant 6-0 domestic victory over Al-Okhdood, ending a brief run of three consecutive draws. Under the management of Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi side has been the team to beat in the AFC Champions League Elite this season. However, they face a Shabab Al Ahli side that has historically proven to be a resilient opponent in continental competition.
The visitors will be forced to navigate this fixture without the services of star striker Karim Benzema. Due to Asian squad regulations regarding foreign player quotas, Benzema has been excluded from the matchday squad alongside two other unnamed stars. Despite these absences, Al Hilal remain favourites given their formidable depth and recent form.
Key Facts and Head-to-Head History
The historical data between these two clubs suggests a competitive rivalry, though Al Hilal have held the upper hand in recent AFC Champions League meetings.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture Date | 9 February 2026 |
| Venue | Al-Rashid Stadium, Dubai |
| Competition | AFC Champions League Elite (Group B) |
| Al Hilal Manager | Simone Inzaghi |
| Recent H2H (Last 3) | Al Hilal 2 Wins, Shabab Al Ahli 1 Win |
| Notable Absence | Karim Benzema (Squad Regulations) |
Team News and Tactical Outlook
Simone Inzaghi has emphasised the importance of this “penultimate fixture” in the group stage, noting that the squad must remain focused despite the absence of key personnel. Pablo Mari is expected to lead the defence, while the team looks to maintain the attacking fluidity that saw them score seven goals in their previous continental outing against Chinese opposition.
Shabab Al Ahli, representing the ADNOC Pro League, enter the match as one of three UAE clubs facing Saudi opposition this week. They will look to exploit any defensive lapses in the Al Hilal backline, similar to the recent Saudi league match where Al Ahli (Saudi) managed to recover from a 3-0 deficit against Inzaghi’s men.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Karim Benzema not playing tonight?
Karim Benzema is unavailable for this fixture due to AFC Champions League Elite regulations. These rules limit the number of foreign players a club can register for a specific matchday, leading coach Simone Inzaghi to exclude him from the travelling squad.
Where is the match being played?
The match is taking place at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the home ground of Shabab Al Ahli.
What is the current form of Al Hilal?
Al Hilal are currently in excellent form, leading both the Saudi Pro League and their AFC Champions League group. They recently secured a 6-0 win in domestic play and a 7-0 victory in their last Asian fixture.