Shabab Al Ahli extended their perfect start in the West Zone of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite by securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Iran’s Esteghlal on Tuesday. The win maintains their flawless record, placing them alongside fellow UAE club Al Ain as the only sides to have won all three of their opening group matches. However, did not come easily and head coach Jardine was pleased to see how his players passed a stern test, the 2-0 victory against Iran’s Esteghlal.
Head coach Andre Jardine praised his squad’s resilience following the result, noting that the victory was a testament to the team’s patience. “I congratulate Esteghlal on their performance and I also commend our own players for their mature and intelligent display,” Jardine remarked.
He explained that the match was tactically demanding, as the opposition employed a deep defensive block that required his team to remain disciplined to break the deadlock. “We managed to remain patient and handle the flow of the game effectively.
After a balanced first half, Jardine utilized substitutions to shift the momentum. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 69th minute when a precise long ball from Sardar Azmoun split the Esteghlal defense. Substitute Matheus Lima capitalized on the opportunity, volleying the ball into the net. Shabab Al Ahli sealed the win in the 83rd minute; following a buildup initiated by Lima, Azmoun set up Juan Alvina to score from close range. With Sardar Azmoun slipping a through ball to Breno in the 51st minute, but the forward’s effort from inside the box was repelled by Far Abbasi, they started the second half on the front foot. “Once again, our substitutions proved highly effective.
“The match required a great deal of patience, especially since our opponents defended with a large number of players, making it difficult for us to reach their goal,” Jardine added. He also credited his bench players for their impact, noting that their readiness to contribute in high-pressure moments is crucial for the team’s ongoing success in the tournament. Which reflects the team’s overall readiness and ability to navigate challenging matches, i want to praise the players who came off the bench; they are making vital contributions. “This victory brings us closer to achieving the goals we set for ourselves in this tournament, and we must continue our hard work in the coming phase,” he added.
In other action on Tuesday, Al Shamal claimed their first win of the competition, defeating Al Hilal 3-1 at Al Bayt Stadium. David Prats, the head coach of the Qatari debutants, attributed the victory to the collective discipline and tactical execution of his side. The result lifted Al Shamal to five points, moving them within a single point of Al Hilal in the West Zone standings.
Reflecting on the milestone, Prats expressed satisfaction with the team’s focus despite acknowledging his surprise regarding Al Hilal’s team composition. “I’m pleased with the team’s performance, especially considering we defeated Al Hilal. The key to our victory was respecting the opponents and the players’ successful execution of the tactical plan,” he stated. The team now turns its attention to a domestic match against Al Sadd. “We will celebrate today, then begin preparations for our next match against Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League, while also focusing on recovery following such an intense game.”.
For Al Hilal, the defeat marked the end of an unbeaten run in the League Stage since the format’s revamp. Head coach Simone Inzaghi admitted the loss was difficult to accept, noting that his team struggled to maintain their initial energy levels. “Defeat is painful, this is my third loss since taking charge of the team,” Inzaghi noted.
Inzaghi pointed to physical toll as a primary factor in the second-half decline. “We played a great first half but in the second half, fatigue prevented us from delivering the performance we expected,” the coach said. With the tournament progressing into its next phase, all clubs involved are now balancing recovery with preparation for their upcoming fixtures.
