Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai vs Al Hilal prediction 09.02.2026 | AFC Champions League

Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai won the double last season and are hoping for another similar season. This season, they had some problems in November and December, when they lost the Super Cup and were eliminated from the League Cup. However, after that poor period, they went on a great streak, winning eight of the last nine matches across competitions. After 15 rounds in the domestic league, the Red Knights are at the top, but just one point above the 2nd-placed Al Ain. 

In the AFC Champions League, Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai started great with two wins and one draw in the first three rounds, but then won just three points in the following three games, complicating their lives a bit. Interestingly, the Red Knights have already met the Saudi Arabian champions (Al Ittihad), beating them 1:0 in Saudi Arabia. It will be interesting to see if they can do that again against another Saudi Arabian giant. 

Al Hilal finished the last season trophyless, which is unacceptable given the amount of money they invested. This season, they looked like the best team in the Saudi Professional League, but with the latest arrival of Karim Benzema, the team from Riyadh definitely looks scary and could win it all this year. At the moment, besides having a 100% win rate in the AFC Champions League, Al Hilal are at the top of the domestic league with 50 points in 20 rounds. Incredibly, Al Hilal are currently on a 29-game unbeaten run across competitions and an 83% win rate. 

In the first game with Al Hilal after leaving Al Ittihad, Karim Benzema was amazing, scoring a hat-trick against Al Okhdood. After the game, the 38-year-old striker was asked about the performance, but was brief, saying he was happy with how he and the team played. Benzema added that they are in good rhythm and that they have to keep up the good performances.