AFC Champions League: En-Nesyri, Aouar and Doumbia combine for Al Ittihad victory

Houssem Aouar opened the scoring and Youssef En-Nesyri also found the goal for the third consecutive match as reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad stormed to a 4-1 victory over Qatari club Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Already secure of a place in the quarterfinals heading into their final match from the league phase of the competition, the club from Jeddah were lifted by an efficient first half.

Only a few minutes after VAR denied a goal for Al Sadd forward Roberto Firmino, Aouar put the visitors ahead in the 10th minute at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Malian midfielder Mahamadou Doumbia played right back Muhannad Al Shanqiti into space towards the end line and the resulting cross was spilled by Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham into the path of the Algerian, who made no mistake with the finish.

And before eighteen minutes had elapsed, the lead was 2-0 in favor of the visitors after Doumbia’s excellent pass over the top of the defense found the run of En-Nesyri, who finished under the onrushing goalkeeper for the Moroccan’s third goal in as many matches at his new club.

Al Sadd went down another goal before finally pulling a goal back through Rafa Mujica before halftime. But the hosts went silent in the second half and it was recent acquisition, Cameroonian defender Stephane Keller, who finished the scoring for the visitors.

🏆| #دوري_ابطال_آسيا_للنخبة
⚽️| #الاتحاد_السد
• إلى الدور القادم، مبروك لجماهير الذهب 👊💛 pic.twitter.com/zZ30mwUPcX

— نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) February 17, 2026

The Qatari club did narrowly advance while Ittihad confirmed a fourth place finish. Fellow Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Ahli finished first and second respectively and the Round of 16 stage will kickoff on March 2 and March 3.