Al-Duhail SC Dominates Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in AFC Champions League Showdown

In a commanding performance at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Al-Duhail SC secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Shabab Al Ahli Dubai on November 3, 2025. This match marked a significant turnaround for Al-Duhail, who had been struggling in recent weeks, while Shabab faced a setback after their strong start to the tournament.

The game kicked off with immediate intensity as Edmilson Junior found the back of the net just two minutes in, giving Al-Duhail an early lead that set the tone for the match. This quick strike was crucial for a team that had been searching for confidence after a series of disappointing results. Following this opener, Benjamin Bourigeaud doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and further solidifying Al-Duhail's dominance.

However, just before halftime, Breno of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai responded with a goal in the 42nd minute, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback. Despite this momentary spark, it was clear that Al-Duhail had control of the match. The second half saw Adil Boulbina extend their lead again in the 57th minute with another well-timed finish. As if to underline their superiority, Luis Alberto capped off the scoring with a late goal in stoppage time at 90+2 minutes.

This result not only reflects Al-Duhail's resurgence but also highlights their attacking prowess-something they have struggled to maintain consistently throughout this tournament. Prior to this match, they had suffered four losses out of five games across various competitions. Yet today's performance showcased their potential when firing on all cylinders.

For Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, who entered this fixture sitting comfortably with seven points from three matches, this defeat serves as a wake-up call. They had previously enjoyed success against teams like Nasaf and Sharjah FC but failed to replicate that form against an energized Al-Duhail side. Coach Paulo Manuel Carvalho de Sousa will need to reassess his tactics moving forward as they prepare for their next challenge against Al-Gharafa.

As both teams look ahead to their upcoming fixtures-Al-Duhail facing off against Al-Ittihad FC and Shabab preparing for another clash with Gharafa-the stakes remain high in this competitive league phase. For now, though, it is clear that today belonged to Al-Duhail SC-a team reborn through determination and skill on an afternoon filled with promise and potential redemption.