Al-Ittihad FC is delivering one of the most commanding performances in the history of the AFC Champions League Elite, as the Jeddah-based club continues its march through the 2025-26 campaign with devastating efficiency. Fresh off a record-breaking 7-0 demolition of Al Gharafa at King Abdullah Sports City last week, the Saudi giants traveled to face Al Sadd in Doha on Tuesday for matchday eight of the group stage, carrying the momentum of a squad firing on all cylinders.
A Statement Victory That Shook the Continent
The matchday seven encounter against Al Gharafa will be remembered as one of the most complete performances by a Saudi club on the continental stage. French midfielder Houssem Aouar delivered a stunning hat-trick, becoming the first Al-Ittihad player to be directly involved in four goals in a single AFC Champions League match since 2013, according to Opta. Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri added a goal and an assist, cementing his reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in Asian football this season.
The 7-0 scoreline was not merely a result of individual brilliance but a reflection of the tactical cohesion and depth that Al-Ittihad has built throughout the campaign. The performance sent a clear message to every club remaining in the competition: Al-Ittihad is a serious contender for the continental crown.
Jeddah Takes Center Stage in April
Beyond Al-Ittihad’s on-pitch exploits, Saudi Arabia itself stands at the heart of this year’s tournament. The AFC has confirmed that the Champions League Elite Finals, from the quarter-finals through to the final, will be held as single-match knockout ties in Jeddah from April 16 to 25. King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium will serve as the venues for what promises to be a showcase of elite Asian football on Saudi soil.
The decision to award the finals to Jeddah underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing stature as a global sporting destination. The Kingdom has consistently demonstrated its ability to host world-class events, and the ACL Elite Finals represent another milestone in the nation’s ambitious sports transformation under Vision 2030. The winner of the tournament will earn a place in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, adding even greater stakes to the proceedings.
Al-Ittihad’s Continental Legacy
Al-Ittihad remains one of only three clubs in Asian football history to have won the AFC Champions League in consecutive seasons, a testament to the club’s enduring quality at the highest level. With 39 official honors and a passionate supporter base that has earned them the title of “the People’s Club,” Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of another continental title carries enormous significance for Saudi football.
As the group stage enters its final rounds, Al-Ittihad’s form suggests they will be among the favorites heading into the knockout rounds in their home city. For fans across Saudi Arabia and the wider region, the prospect of watching the Jeddah club compete for Asian glory on home soil adds an extraordinary dimension to what is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament.
