AFC Champions League Elite - Conceicao delighted as Al Ittihad hit top form

Jeddah: Sergio Conceicao hailed a complete performance after Al Ittihad powered into the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 with a commanding 7-0 victory over Al Gharafa SC on Tuesday.

A relentless Al Ittihad overwhelmed the Qatari side to move to 12 points, a tally that guarantees a top-eight finish in the league stage regardless of next week’s results.

#ACLElite | Al Ittihad Club (KSA) 7-0 Al Gharafa SC (QAT)

Conceicao was pleased not only with the emphatic scoreline, but with the way his players executed the game plan to perfection.

“This was an important victory in our campaign, and most importantly, the performance and the result were well-deserved,” said Conceicao.

“In the past, we were getting into good positions but lacked the finishing touch. Today, we managed to score and implemented what we studied for the match very well."

“We didn’t set a target in terms of the number of goals. The focus was on preparing to win the game, and then the goals followed. The feeling the fans gave us was completely different from previous matches, and we hope that continues in every game.”

Al Gharafa, meanwhile, are 10th with six points and still have a mathematical chance of progressing, with head coach Pedro Martins accepting responsibility for the defeat.

“The match was clear in its outcome, and we apologise to the entire Qatari sports community and to our fans,” said Martinez. “Ittihad’s superiority was evident. I congratulate them on their victory, and I have nothing more to add.”

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