Ittihad Eyes Peak Form as They Trek to Duhail for a Crucial AFC Elite West Clash

Ittihad Set to Face Al-Duhail in AFC Champions League Elite West

Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia travels to Doha to face Al-Duhail on Monday night, as the fifth round of the Western group in the AFC Champions League Elite unfolds.

The Saudi giants have a strong history against Qatari clubs, having faced six different sides in 12 matches with nine wins, two draws, and just one defeat.

Lekhwiya, founded in 2009, merged in 2017 with a domestic rival to form Al-Duhail, meaning this will be the first classic meeting since the merger in Asian club competitions.

Historically, Al-Ittihad has played against Arab clubs such as Al-Arabi, Al-Rayyan, Umm Salal, Al-Sadd, and Al-Ahli in continental play, with a mix of wins and draws and only a few losses.

Lucky Charm

On Monday, Al-Ittihad will mark their 15th AFC Elite match in the schedule, and local press notes that the team has recorded ten Monday wins, one draw, and three losses, making Monday a bit of a lucky day for the club.

Among the results, the team beat Sepahan Isfahan and Zob Ahan Isfahan of Iran, AGMK of Uzbekistan, and also defeated Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al-Rayyan, as well as Al-Ahli, with their total tally showcased across multiple ties.

In the current edition, Al-Ittihad has also faced Al-Shorta of Iraq and Al-Wahda of the UAE, losing to the former but also dropping a defeat to the latter, as the West group action continues.

Standings and Outlook

Entering this round, Al-Ittihad sit sixth in the West group with six points, while Al-Duhail occupy seventh with four points. Al-Hilal leads the West with 12 points, followed by Al-Ahli and Al-Wahda on 10, and Tractor S.C. on 8, with the group still wide open after eight group-stage matches per team.

Details of remaining fixtures will shape who advances to the Round of 16, scheduled for March 2026, with quarterfinals to be hosted in Saudi Arabia in April 2026.

Quotes and Fatigue Concerns

Daniel Pereira, a Portuguese defender for Al-Ittihad, admitted fatigue is creeping in due to the dense schedule, but he insisted the team will approach the match focused on victory and with the aim of pleasing the fans.

Marco Verratti, speaking for Al-Duhail, said the preparations had been solid and the focus would be on delivering the best possible performance to secure a positive result and continue their positive run in the continental tournament. He added that they would face a strong side with players of high quality like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Moussa Diaby, and that excellence will be required to achieve three points.

Punchline 1: If football were stand-up, tonight’s crowd would be the mic drop.

Punchline 2: My popcorn’s hotter than the analysis after this schedule—let’s hope the match is as crisp as my jokes are sharp.