Al-Ahli face Al-Sadd in AFC Elite Champions League clash in Doha

Saudi champions Al-Ahli will take on Qatar’s Al-Sadd on Monday at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, in the fourth round of the AFC Elite Champions League West group stage for the 2026-2027 football season.

Al-Sadd enter the match seeking their first win of the tournament, after drawing 1-1 with Saudi side Al-Qadsiah in the previous round. Al-Sadd had led until the 84th minute before conceding the equalizer, earning their first point in the competition.

The 2011 continental champions Al-Sadd hope to capitalize on home advantage and fan support to improve their results. Romanian coach Razvan Lucescu aims to restore the team’s balance and boost attacking efficiency, after his players managed just two shots on target from eight attempts against Al-Qadsiah.

Al-Ahli, meanwhile, approach the match in high spirits after back-to-back wins following a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in the opening round. The team looks to continue its positive run, strengthen its position in the standings, and push forward in the title race.

Al-Ahli coach Marino Pušić hopes his side will maintain the balanced performances shown in previous rounds and further improve team cohesion to secure a positive result against Al-Sadd.

UAE’s Al-Ain lead the West group with nine points, ahead of Shabab Al-Ahli on goal difference. Al-Ahli are third with seven points, followed by Iran’s Esteghlal and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal with six points each, then Qatar’s Al-Shamal and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadsiah with five points, and Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia with four points.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr have three points from two matches, level with Uzbekistan’s Neftchi and Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. Pakhtakor have two points, while Tractor of Iran and Al-Sadd have one point each. Al-Gharafa of Qatar and UAE’s Al-Wasl are at the bottom with no points.