AFC Champions League Elite - Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club head coach Jens Wissing praised his players’ commitment after the Saudi Arabian side powered past Al Jazira FSC 4-1 to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn struck twice in the first half and Al Ittihad never looked back as second half goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi put the game beyond Al Jazira’s reach, with Simon Banza’s late effort proving only a consolation.

“I’m very happy with the victory. We deserved to qualify,” said Wissing. “We knew how difficult the match would be in these conditions. We respected our opponents and made sacrifices.

“I’m happy with the whole group because of the sacrifices the players made.”

The German was delighted to see Al Ittihad achieve their first objective of the campaign and felt his players had earned their place among Asia’s leading clubs.

“I told the players that they had won in a wonderful way and deserved to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite. This is where they belong.”

Al Jazira head coach Cosmin Olaroiu, meanwhile, conceded Al Ittihad were worthy winners and called on his players to learn from the setback.

“The better team won. We expected a difficult match against a strong team with players whose individual quality made the difference,” said Olaroiu.

“The defeat was a cold shower for us, but it will help us understand our current capabilities realistically and become more humble. Al Jazira must not only be a beautiful team. We must be realistic, make sacrifices and give everything we have to win.”

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