Al Duhail SC will have to do what they haven’t been able to in their last three away ties – defeat Al Shorta if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.
Qatar’s Al Duhail, who landed in Baghdad on Sunday, are seventh in the standings but tied on eight points with fellow Qatari side Al Sadd SC and Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates.
Al Shorta’s slim hopes of advancing were dashed following their 1-1 stalemate with Uzbekistan’s PFC Nasaf but the Iraqi side will be aiming to end their campaign with a win – having only managed two draws in their previous seven games.
The major reason for their continental woes has been a porous defence, with Al Shorta having conceded 10 goals in their three home games this season, the most by any side.
Al Duhail will be hoping to capitalise, having battled hard to keep themselves in contention by fighting back to hold Sharjah FC to a 1-1 draw last week.
They, however, have won just one of their last 11 away games on the continent and conceded – at least – twice in their last three defeats when travelling.
Al Shorta (IRQ) v Al Duhail SC (QAT)
Venue: Al Zawraa Stadium (Baghdad)
Kick-off: Monday, 21:15 (UTC+3)
In another match on Monday, hosts Sharjah FC will expect to defeat PFC Nasaf when the sides meet in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.
United Arab Emirates side Sharjah need three points to stand a chance of advancing while Nasaf’s campaign is already over after securing just a single point from their earlier seven matches.
Sharjah sit ninth in standings but are equal on eight points with Qatari sides Al Duhail SC and Al Sadd SC.
They could have confirmed their Round of 16 spot with victory over Al Duhail last week but will be confident of getting maximum points against Nasaf, having never been beaten by the Uzbekistan outfit.
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