In a commanding display of football on Tuesday evening at Al-Inma Stadium, Al-Ittihad of Jeddah delivered a resounding victory over Qatar’s Al-Gharafa. The match, part of the seventh round of the AFC Champions League Elite stage, culminated in a seven-goal spectacle for the Saudi side.
The Algerian forward Husam Aouar emerged as the undisputed protagonist of the encounter, etching his name on the scoresheet with a remarkable hat-trick. His performance was pivotal in securing his team’s progression to the next round of the continental competition.
A Symphony of Skill: The Goal of the Night
While all three of Aouar’s strikes contributed to the lopsided scoreline, one moment of brilliance stood out as the match’s defining highlight. Occurring in the 57th minute, the goal was a product of exquisite teamwork and technical precision. A cross delivered from the right flank found Aouar, who directed the ball with his head towards his teammate Youssef En-Nesyri. Without letting the ball touch the ground, En-Nesyri executed a deft headed pass back into the path of the advancing Aouar, who met it with a first-time volley that nestled into the net. The entire sequence, a seamless aerial exchange, left the Al-Gharafa defenders static and unable to mount a defensive reaction.
This goal, emblematic of Al-Ittihad’s dominance, was part of a festival of goals against the Qatari opponent, as described in the match report.
The decisive result has significant implications for the group standings. With this win, Al-Ittihad Jeddah has now amassed 12 points, consolidating their position in fifth place and, more importantly, securing official qualification for the Round of 16. Conversely, Al-Gharafa’s campaign has stalled, their point total frozen at 6 points, which leaves them languishing in tenth position in the table.