Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail return to continental action today needing another lift, and a win over Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium could completely reshape their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite campaign.

Fresh off their first victory of the season - an impressive 4-1 dismantling of Shabab Al Ahli - Djamel Belmadi's men sit seventh in the group with four points, but a home triumph would push them above Al Ittihad and right back into the race for the Round of 16.

Belmadi was direct about the stakes, calling the match“of great importance” and insisting his side has already“turned the page” on a recent league defeat to Al Ahli in the Qatar Stars League.

“Our focus now is on the Asian Champions League,” he told a pre-match press conference yesterday.“We know Al Ittihad have quality, so we must give maximum effort to get the result we want.”

That result will not come easily. Al Ittihad arrive in Doha brimming with confidence after back-to-back wins, including a commanding win over Sharjah.

After scoring just once in their first two group matches, the Saudi side has exploded for seven goals in their last two outings, and look increasingly dangerous in the final third.

Coach Sergio Conceicao expects a demanding night:“We're playing an important match against a strong, well-balanced team, so we have to give our best,” he said.

While he noted that his side“is not under pressure” despite sitting sixth, he stressed that the focus remains sharp:“We still have a chance to improve our position, and that's what we're aiming for.”

Al Gharafa seek revival against Shabab Al Ahli

In Dubai, Al Gharafa face Shabab Al Ahli in a clash between two sides desperately seeking to rediscover form.

Shabab Al Ahli's unbeaten run was shattered by Al Duhail's 4-1 blitz, while Al Gharafa fell to group leaders Al Hilal.

Despite a strong domestic season, Al Gharafa have struggled to translate that rhythm to Asia.

Their only continental points came in a 2-0 win over Al Shorta, and they have lost five of their last six away matches in the competition.

Today's trip to Rashid Stadium represents both a challenge and an opportunity to steady the campaign.

Shabab Al Ahli, meanwhile, will draw confidence from being unbeaten in their last two meetings with Al Gharafa.

A win at home would restore momentum and keep them firmly in contention for a top-eight finish.

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