Boost for Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr as quarterfinals, semifinal scheduled for Oct. 16-19, final on Nov. 23 KUALA LUMPUR: The AFC Champions League 2021 quarterfinals and semifinal in the competition’s Western Region as well as the final, will be played in Saudi Arabia, subject to the Asian Football Confederation’s Executive Committee ratifying the decision. The announcement that the latter stages of Asia’s premier club competition will be played in centralized venues was announced on the AFC’s official website. The decision will be particularly welcomed by the two remaining Saudi clubs in the competition, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, who will face Iranian opponents Esteghlal and Tractor respectively. As had been confirmed on July 5, 2021, all matches will be played as single leg ties with the AFC Champions League 2021 quarterfinals and semifinal (West) scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from Oct. 16-19 before the final is hosted on Nov. 23. The Korea Football Association has already been confirmed as the centralized host for the East Region matches, which will be staged in Jeonju from Oct. 17-20.