In a thrilling encounter in Doha yesterday, Al Arabi and Al Qadsia faced off in the opening Group B match of the Gulf Champions League. Marco Verratti’s 75th-minute equaliser for Al Arabi salvaged a 1-1 draw against Al Qadsia. The match was closely contested, with both teams showing determination and skill on the field. In the end, the result was considered fair by both coaches, with each team taking away a point from the encounter.
In the second Group B match of the day, Al Ettifaq from Saudi Arabia secured a 3-1 victory over Bahrain’s Al Riffa in Dammam, propelling them to the top of the table. Al Arabi and Al Qadsia occupy the second and third spots, respectively, with Al Riffa languishing at the bottom. The group promises to provide more exciting clashes as the tournament progresses.
Al Arabi coach Anthony Hudson expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the match against Al Qadsia, believing that they could have achieved a better result. On the other hand, Al Qadsia coach Zeljko Petrovic acknowledged the strength of their opponents and deemed the draw a fair outcome. The teams displayed resilience and determination throughout the match, highlighting their competitive spirit.
Despite a quiet first half where both teams struggled to score, the game came alive after the break with Al Qadsia taking the lead through Igor Rossi’s goal in the 56th minute. However, Al Arabi responded swiftly with Verratti’s equaliser, albeit after a VAR review. The goal was initially disputed due to a possible offside, but ultimately stood, allowing Al Arabi to secure a valuable point in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Al Arabi will face Al Riffa in their next Gulf Champions League match on November 5 at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town. The remaining group stage fixtures include clashes against Al Ettifaq, Al Qadsia, and a return fixture against Al Riffa. With the competition heating up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the teams battle it out for a spot in the knockout stages. The Gulf Champions League promises to deliver exciting football action and showcase the talents of the participating teams.
