Dhaka, April 24 -- Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr are one of three big-spending Saudi Arabian clubs hunting AFC Champions League (CL) glory on home soil when the final knockout stages begin on Friday.

The desert nation hosts the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final of Asia's premier club competition - given a new look and format this year as the AFC Champions League Elite - from April 25 to May 3 in Jeddah.

The cash-rich Saudi clubs have lured stars from Europe, meaning Jeddah's Al Ahli plus Riyadh clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr are among the favourites to lift the trophy on May 3 at the 62,000-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Saudi teams dominated the West Zone league stages, with Al Hilal and Al Ahli both unbeaten in eight...