Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Arabi went down 0-5 to Al Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia in the fourth round (Group B) of Gulf Club Champions League at the Ettifaq Stadium in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.
Among those scoring a goal each for Al Ettifaq were Seko Fofana (29th minute), Moussa Dembele (39th minute), Abdulla Radif (41st minute), Victor Vinicius (Vitinho) (81st minute), and Joao Costa (88th minute).
The win saw Al Ettifaq move to top of the group with 9 points while Al Riffa of Bahrain are second with 4 points, Al Qadsia of Kuwait third with 2 points, and Al Arabi in fourth with 1 point.
The unbeaten so far, Ettifaq held sway throughout the match making the breakthrough as Toko Ekambi broke in into the ‘D’ and waited for a charging in Fofana to make the strike.
A few minutes later, Al Arabi tried to retaliate but after Rodri made a charge and provided a pass, Alaaeldin shot over.
Ettifaq gained possession and hit back with another fine goal as a lob cross from the left saw Dutch Georginio Wijnaldum set up Dembele to score his team’s second goal.
The hosts again before half time as forward Abdulla Radif scored from just inside left of the box into the far corner (3-0).
In the second session, the Al Arabi den was repeatedly attacked but they staved off many threats with goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail doing some good work. Ettifaq also hit the woodwork twice.
Al Arabi’s resistance eventually fell through as Brazilian striker Victor Vinicius (Vitinho) scored from a free kick - from about 10 yards outside of box. His kick sailed over the wall and into the net.
Adding more joy to Ettifaq’s win was winger Joao Costa who slotted in the fifth goal with neat diagonal strike from the right.
The Gulf Club Champions League comprises eight teams divided into two groups, with matches conducted on a home-and-away basis.
The teams finishing in the first and second positions in each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
