ACL Matchday Six. West Zone - Group D Preview

With seven out of the eight round-of-16 West sides already confirmed, the final matchday will see clubs battle for the top spot in their respective groups.

Group D

Unlike the other three West Zone groups, the battle for second place is going to the wire in Group D, with Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli both still standing a chance going into the final matchday.

The two Round-of-16 contenders go head to head at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah. And while Al Ahli have the home advantage, Pakhtakor have a two-point lead on their opponents, meaning they only need a draw to progress.

The first encounter between the two in Tashkent two months ago was closely-contested, with a second-half Marat Bikmaev strike proving the difference at the final whistle.

In the other group game, Al Sadd travel to Azadi Stadium to face Persepolis in completely different circumstances to last year’s semi-final. The Iranians have now officially been eliminated, while Al Sadd are through to the next round.

The match offers fans a chance to watch one of the greatest midfield players of all time for the last time. Al Sadd captain Xavi will hang up his boots after Monday’s fixture, ending a 22-year-long career which saw him become one of the most decorated footballers in history.

Persepolis (IRN) vs Al Sadd (QAT)

Venue: Pakhtakor Central Stadium, Tashkent

Kick-off: May 20, 19:30 UTC+4:30

Al Ahli (KSA) vs FC Pakhtakor (UZB)

Venue: King Abdullah Sport City, Jeddah

Kick-off: May 20, 22:00 UTC+3