Doha is poised to capture the spotlight in continental football as the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium readies itself for an exhilarating matchup during Matchweek 5 of the ACL Elite 2025-26. The eagerly anticipated clash will see Qatar’s Al Duhail face off against Saudi Arabia’s defending champions, Al Ittihad.
Al Duhail is desperately seeking momentum, having secured only one victory and one draw in their first four matches. Their recent 4-1 victory against Shadab Al Ahli has injected fresh hope into their campaign, prompting the team to strive for a full three points to bolster their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. Under the guidance of seasoned head coach Djamel Belmadi, who has a wealth of experience managing both the Qatar and Algeria national teams, Al Duhail is making tactical adjustments as they gear up for this pivotal match.
In contrast, Al Ittihad occupies sixth place in the AFC Champions League Elite standings but comes into this match with confidence after their convincing 3-0 victory over Sharjah in their latest outing. The team recently underwent a managerial change, with Sergio Conceicao appointed as head coach following Laurent Blanc’s departure early in the season. This new leadership seems to have revitalized the squad, which looks to capitalize on its experienced players and strong talent on the pitch.
The match is slated for November 24 at 9:30 p.m. IST, with VAR technology set to aid the officiating crew, although the officials’ identities have yet to be confirmed.
Key Players to Watch include Luis Alberto from Al Duhail, who has already made a significant impact this season with one goal and one assist, drawing from his extensive experience with clubs such as Sevilla, Liverpool, and Lazio. Al Ittihad’s Steven Bergwijn, a Dutch winger with a notable background at PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur, has also been a tremendous asset, contributing two goals in three matches this ACL Elite season.
This encounter will be the first face-off between Al Duhail and Al Ittihad, making it a historical moment in the league. Al Ittihad’s recent form, characterized by a solid win against Sharjah, contrasts with Al Duhail’s urgent quest for consistency following their latest triumph.
Injury reports indicate that Al Duhail has no players sidelined, while Al Ittihad will miss Muath Faqeehi due to injury.
Projected lineups suggest Al Duhail will adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with Burke in goal, while Al Ittihad will likely utilize the same formation, featuring Rajkovic at the back.
Analysts predict a closely contested match with a slight edge for Al Ittihad, forecasting a potential 2-1 victory over Al Duhail.
Fans in India can catch the action live on FanCode, while viewers in Saudi Arabia can watch through Thmanyah.
With an exciting narrative enveloping both clubs, this match is set to be a thrilling chapter in the ACL Elite 2025-26 season, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome in Doha. The atmosphere promises to be electric, highlighting the passion and competitive spirit of Asian football.