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

Al-Ittihad secured their spot in the 2026-2027 AFC Elite Champions League group stage with a convincing 4-1 victory over UAE side Al-Jazira. Steven Bergwijn was the standout performer, scoring twice in the match. The Dutch forward opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a well-taken goal after a cross from the right side. Bergwijn extended the lead to 2-0 in the 38th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, which Al-Jazira's goalkeeper failed to stop.

Al-Ittihad continued to dominate the second half, with Houssem Aouar capitalizing on a left-wing cross to score the third goal in the 54th minute. Al-Ittihad coach Jens Vesting made a crucial substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Marwan Al-Sahafi for Moussa Diaby. The substitute made an immediate impact, scoring the fourth goal just four minutes later, finishing off a low cross from Youssef En-Nesyri in the 69th minute.

Al-Jazira's Simon Banza managed to pull one back for his team in the 80th minute, but it was ultimately irrelevant as Al-Ittihad secured their qualification for the AFC Elite Champions League group stage for the 2026-2027 season.