Al-Ittihad thrash Al-Jazira 4-1 to secure AFC Elite Champions League spot

Al-Ittihad secured their qualification for the 2026-2027 AFC Elite Champions League group stage after defeating UAE side Al-Jazira 4-1 on Tuesday evening, in a match highlighted by Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn’s two goals.

Bergwijn put Al-Ittihad ahead early in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a cross from the right, before doubling the lead in the 38th minute with a shot from the edge of the box that Al-Jazira’s goalkeeper could not stop.

Early in the second half, Al-Ittihad maintained their pressure, with Houssem Aouar adding a third goal in the 54th minute by converting a left-wing cross with a first-time finish.

Al-Ittihad coach Jens Vesting made a substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Marwan Al-Sahafi for Moussa Diaby. The substitute needed just four minutes to score the fourth goal, finishing off a low cross from Youssef En-Nesyri in the 69th minute.

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Simon Banza pulled one back for Al-Jazira in the 80th minute, but the goal did not affect the outcome, as Al-Ittihad sealed a 4-1 win and guaranteed their place in the AFC Elite Champions League group stage for the 2026-2027 season.