Al Duhail players take part in a training session in Tabriz, Iran, yesterday.
Doha: Al Duhail face Iran’s Tractor FC in a crucial AFC Champions League Elite clash today at the Yadegar-E-Imam Stadium in Tabriz.
The Qatari side knows the task ahead is not easy, with Tractor FC entering the pitch today unbeaten from five matches this season.
Al Duhail sit sixth in the West Zone standings with seven points, four behind Tractor, who are third and within touching distance of the Round of 16. The Djamel Belmadi-coached side will seek a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive heading into the last three matches in the Group stage.
Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi.
“It will be a difficult match against a strong opponent, as is always the case in the AFC Champions League,” Belmadi said ahead of the encounter.
“They are still unbeaten in the competition and have conceded very few goals. We have a clear objective and we must stay focused to achieve it,” the Algerian coach said.
Al Duhail’s confidence was lifted in their previous clash, in which they secured a strong 4-2 victory over Saudi giants Al Ittihad. That performance not only revived their campaign but also sent a clear message about the quality of the Al Duhail attack.
However, the challenge in Tabriz against the home team will be different.
Belmadi stressed that both teams would approach the match with the same determination. “They want to win just as much as we do,” he noted.
“What matters is winning the match. Whether it is by one goal or more is secondary. We aim to keep our balance, score goals, and avoid conceding,” Belmadi said.
Belmadi will be without several key players, including Marco Verratti, for today’s encounter, but noted the rest of the team is ready for the task.
“Of course, we would have liked to have Marco available,” he said.
“Everyone knows his quality, experience, and influence on the team. We are stronger with him, but the priority now is that the rest of the squad is ready.”
“The weather is cold, and the fans will support their team, which is normal. These things will not influence our performance,” a confident Belmadi said.
Al Gharafa players gear up for the match against Al Wahda.
Al Gharafa host Al Wahda
Also today, Al Gharafa SC host UAE’s Al Wahda FC at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, knowing there is no room for error.
The Cheetahs are currently sitting in ninth spot in the West Zone standings, with three points from just one win. Another defeat would severely damage their hopes and risk turning their remaining fixtures into dead rubbers.
Head coach Pedro Martinez stressed the importance of the occasion, saying the team is targeting a win to revive their Round of 16 hopes, while adding that preparations went smoothly and the squad is in better physical and technical condition following the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 break.
Al Wahda, meanwhile, arrived in Qatar with high spirits after already sealing qualification for the knockout stage. The UAE giants, coached by Demis Teixeira, are second in the standings and will be keen to extend their strong continental form as the hosts look to break their momentum.
The match kicks off at 9:15pm.
