Doha, Qatar – Al Duhail SC delivered a dominant performance, defeating Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad Club 4-2 in an AFC Champions League Elite stage match on Tuesday. A stunning hat-trick from Adil Boulbina propelled the Qatari side to a crucial victory, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League.
The win at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium moves Al Duhail to seven points in Group C, while Al Ittihad remains on six. Both teams will compete in the final three group stage matches to secure a spot in the next phase of the competition. Karim Benzema scored a late brace for Al Ittihad, but it proved insufficient to overcome Al Duhail’s commanding lead.
Boulbina’s Brilliance Fuels Al Duhail Victory
Adil Boulbina’s performance was the defining factor in Al Duhail’s triumph. He opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, showcasing his ability to score from distance. His second goal, in the 33rd minute, came after a clever run and feint, leaving the Al Ittihad defense struggling to contain him.
Boulbina completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Luis Alberto and expertly finishing past goalkeeper Pedrag Rajkovic. This performance marks a significant moment for the 22-year-old Algerian forward and solidifies his position as a key player for Al Duhail.
Al Ittihad Struggles Despite Benzema’s Goals
Despite boasting star power in the form of Karim Benzema and Moussa Diaby, Al Ittihad struggled to find a foothold in the match. Benzema’s two late goals, in the 76th and 83rd minutes, offered a glimmer of hope, but Al Duhail’s defense held firm.
Al Ittihad’s attack was largely frustrated by Al Duhail’s organized defensive structure and the inspired performance of goalkeeper Bautista Burke, who made several key saves. The Saudi side will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and improve their attacking efficiency to remain competitive in the AFC Champions League.
Krzysztof Piatek added a fourth goal for Al Duhail in the 74th minute, extending their lead and effectively sealing the victory. The Polish striker’s powerful shot left Rajkovic with no chance, further highlighting Al Duhail’s attacking prowess.
Shabab Al Ahli Secure Comfortable Win
Meanwhile, in Dubai, Shabab Al Ahli defeated Al Gharafa 2-0. Kauan Santos opened the scoring for the Emirati side in the 9th minute, with Guilherme Bala doubling their advantage in the 28th minute. This victory places Shabab Al Ahli in a strong position in their group, with 10 points from five matches.
Al Gharafa, in contrast, remain at the bottom of the group with just three points. Their performance has been underwhelming, and they face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages. The result underscores the growing competitiveness of the Asian club football scene.
The next matchday, scheduled for December 23, will see Shabab Al Ahli face Al Saad, while Al Gharafa will take on Al Wahda FC. The outcomes of these matches will be crucial in determining the final standings of the group and the teams that advance to the knockout phase. The qualification scenarios remain fluid, and the final group stage matches promise to be highly contested. The performance of key players like Boulbina and Benzema will continue to be closely watched as the competition progresses.
The future of both Al Duhail and Al Ittihad in the AFC Champions League hinges on their performances in the remaining matches. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these teams adapt and respond to the challenges ahead.
