Al Ahli Saudi FC defeats Al Gharafa 4-2 in the AFC Champions League Elite, while Pakhtakor secures a 2-1 victory over Al Sadd, keeping their knockout hopes alive.
Al Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al Gharafa 4-2, ending Al Gharafa’s aspirations of advancing to the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stage. The match took place at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Monday. With this victory, the Saudi Pro League team provisionally leads with 22 points, surpassing Al Hilal SFC, who have 19 points and were scheduled to play Al Wasl. Al Gharafa’s campaign concluded with seven points, insufficient for a top-eight finish. Pakhtakor secured a 2-1 win against Al Sadd.
Al Ahli Saudi FC vs. Al Gharafa Match Summary
Al Ahli faced early pressure with Aron Gunnarsson’s attempt testing keeper Edouard Mendy and Yacine Brahimi’s shot narrowly missing the target. Al Gharafa was awarded a penalty after Matteo Dams’ handball, which Joselu converted, giving Al Gharafa the lead.
Al Gharafa, needing a win to advance to the Round of 16, saw Rodrigo’s long-range shot go wide, and Brahimi’s free-kick was caught by Mendy. Al Ahli then took control, led by Ivan Toney. Toney’s initial attempt was saved by Sergio Rico, but he scored on his second attempt in the 21st minute.
Dams’ pass to Ibanez led to Al Ahli’s second goal, with Ibanez assisting Roberto Firmino, who scored at the far post. Al Gharafa then conceded another goal from a quickly taken free-kick by Mahrez, setting up Galeno, whose shot was mishandled by Rico. Al Gharafa’s hopes diminished further after Jamal Hamed fouled Toney, resulting in a penalty. Mahrez scored from the spot.
Brahimi converted a penalty in the 80th minute after Ibanez fouled the Algerian, but it served only as a consolation as Al Gharafa’s tournament run ended.
Pakhtakor vs. Al Sadd Match Summary
Earlier, Pakhtakor kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Al Sadd in Tashkent. Brayan Riascos scored in the 18th and 56th minutes for Pakhtakor, while Hassan al-Haydos scored a penalty in the 37th minute for Al Sadd. The match also saw Adam Ounas of Al Sadd and Sardor Sobrikhojaev of Pakhtakor sent off.
Pakhtakor’s opening goal came when Khodjiakbar Alijonov’s cross found Riascos, who scored from close range. Al Sadd leveled the score through al-Haydos’ penalty, awarded after a VAR review. Pakhtakor regained the lead in the second half with Riascos heading in a free-kick from Jonatan Lucca.
The match was marred by a late altercation between Ounas and Sobrikhojaev, resulting in both players being sent off.
With these results, Pakhtakor now has a chance to advance to the knockout stage, while Al Sadd have already qualified. Al Ahli Saudi FC’s win against Al Gharafa, coupled with Persepolis FC’s draw with Al Nassr Club, confirmed Pakhtakor’s place. Al Rayyan SC of Qatar are also through.
Al Gharafa’s Perspective
Al Gharafa faced a tough test against Al Ahli Saudi FC, aiming to secure a spot in the AFC Elite (West) knockout stage. They held seventh position with seven points, earned from victories against Al Ain and Pakhtakor, and a draw against Persepolis. However, defeats against Esteghlal, Al Wasl, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal impacted their progress.
Al Sadd’s Match Against Pakhtakor
Al Sadd prepared to face Pakhtakor in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Al Sadd, already qualified for the Round of 16, aimed for a win. Pakhtakor, positioned 10th with four points, needed a win to keep their hopes alive. Al Sadd’s campaign included a 1-1 draw against Al Ain, a 2-0 victory over Esteghlal, a 1-0 win against Persepolis, and another 1-1 draw with Al Wasl. They also drew 1-1 with Al Hilal and secured a 2-1 victory against Al Nassr, before losing 1-3 to Al Ahli Saudi FC.
Sources: https://www.gulf-times.com/article/700508/sports/gharafa-exit-after-loss-to-ahli-sadd-go-down-to-pakhtakor
https://www.ysscores.com/en/news/13003060/Yais:-Al–Ahly-achieved-a-historical-march-in-the-groups
https://menafn.com/1109214593/ACL-Elite-Al-Gharafa-Face-Al-Ahli-Saudi-FC-Eye-Spot-In-Round-Of-16