Doha is set to become the center of attention in continental football as the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium prepares for a thrilling clash during Matchweek 5 of the ACL Elite 2025-26. On the agenda is a showdown between Al Duhail and Saudi Arabia’s defending champions, Al Ittihad.
Al Duhail, currently in search of momentum, has recorded only one victory and one draw from their first four matches. A recent 4-1 triumph over Shadab Al Ahli has reignited their hopes, and the team is determined to secure all three points to enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Under the guidance of head coach Djamel Belmadi, a seasoned tactician who has previously managed both the Qatar and Algeria national teams, Al Duhail is making strategic adjustments ahead of this crucial match.
On the other side, Al Ittihad stands at sixth place on the AFC Champions League Elite points table. They are riding high after a convincing 3-0 win over Sharjah in their last outing. The team has seen a change in management recently, with Sergio Conceicao stepping in as head coach after Laurent Blanc’s departure early in the season. Conceicao’s fresh approach appears to be paying off as the squad looks to leverage their experience and talent on the field.
The match is scheduled for November 24 at 9:30 p.m. IST, with the use of VAR to assist the officiating crew, whose details have yet to be confirmed.
Players to Watch
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Luis Alberto (Al Duhail): The experienced Spanish midfielder, known for his time at clubs like Sevilla, Barcelona reserves, Liverpool, and Lazio, has made a notable impact since joining Al Duhail. In the ACL Elite season so far, he has one goal and one assist to his name.
Steven Bergwijn (Al Ittihad): A valuable asset for Al Ittihad, the Dutch winger has an impressive resume with stints at PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, and Tottenham Hotspur. Since joining Al Ittihad last year, he has been instrumental in their success, including scoring twice in three matches in the current ACL Elite season.
Match Facts
- This encounter marks the first meeting between Al Duhail and Al Ittihad.
- Al Ittihad’s recent form includes a strong performance, winning their last game against Sharjah with a clean sheet, while Al Duhail aims to build on their previous victory.
Injury and Team News
- Al Duhail reports no injury concerns.
- Al Ittihad will be without Muath Faqeehi due to an unspecified injury.
Predicted Lineups
Al Duhail (4-2-3-1): Burke (GK); Sabaly, Castelletto, Aymen, Ahmed; Bourigeaud, Verrati; Junior, Alberto, Boulbina; Piatek.
Al Ittihad (4-2-3-1): Rajkovic (GK); Doumbia, Simic, Al Shanqeeti, Mitaj; Kante, Fabinho; Bergwijn, Aouar, Diaby; Benzema.
Match Prediction
Considering Al Ittihad’s superb form under their new coach and recent performances, predictions suggest a close encounter with a likely win for the away team. Many analysts favor Al Ittihad with a scoreline of 2-1 over Al Duhail.
Telecast Details
- In India, fans can watch the match live on FanCode.
- In Saudi Arabia, the game will be available on Thmanyah.
With exciting narratives surrounding both clubs, this match promises to be a captivating chapter in the ACL Elite 2025-26 season. Fans eagerly await to see which team will emerge victorious in Doha.
