KSAsportz report
DOHA — In a thrilling AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 showdown on Monday, Adil Boulbina delivered a stunning hat-trick as Qatar’s Al Duhail SC overcame reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad with a score of 4-2. This victory propels Al Duhail closer to the knockout stages of the tournament.
The 22-year-old Algerian forward showcased his immense talent, scoring at the 5th, 33rd, and 53rd minutes. Krzysztof Piatek further secured the lead with a goal in the 74th minute. Despite Karim Benzema’s valiant effort, netting two late goals for Al Ittihad, Sergio Conceicao’s side left Doha without any points.
Following this crucial win, Al Duhail now boasts 7 points from five matches in the West Zone league phase, while Al Ittihad stands at 6 points with three group games remaining. This match marked an important moment for Al Duhail as they aim for a strong finish in their group.
Boulbina opened the scoring with a spectacular 25-yard strike, defying Al Ittihad’s goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic. The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 16th minute when Sultan Al Brake was thwarted by Rajkovic at the near post.
Al Ittihad managed to respond through Moussa Diaby, whose cross found Benzema; however, the French international’s header slipped wide of the mark. Al Duhail struck again 12 minutes before halftime, with captain Marco Verratti delivering a brilliant through ball that allowed Boulbina to sprint clear, where he feigned past Rajkovic to score his second goal.
Early in the second half, Rajkovic displayed excellent reflexes with consecutive saves from Piatek and Boulbina, but the Algerian remained unstoppable. In the 53rd minute, Luis Alberto set him up in the box, allowing Boulbina to cut inside Jan Carlo Simic and slot home his third goal, completing his hat-trick.
Al Ittihad fought back, with Fabinho forcing a strong save from Al Duhail’s Bautista Burke. However, Piatek added a fourth goal in the 74th minute, making it 4-0. Benzema attempted to rally his team with a header two minutes later and scored again with a classy right-foot shot in the 83rd minute, bringing the score to 4-2 but ultimately failing to secure a comeback.