al sadd vs al-ittihad: Aouar Strike, Disallowed Firmino Goal and Conceição’s Rotation Resolve
In a high-stakes AFC Champions League meeting at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), Al-Ittihad and Al Sadd produced a tense, tactical contest that combined decisive moments on the field with strategic talk from the visitors’ coach. Houssem Aouar’s finish gave Al-Ittihad an early lead, while an effort from Roberto Firmino was ruled out by VAR. Off the pitch, Sérgio Conceição sought to calm rotation debates and praised the technical quality of Al-Sadd’s squad.
Conceição settles rotation debate and praises opposition
In the build-up to the match, Al-Ittihad’s coach made clear that he views his roster as a single collective rather than a hierarchy of starters and substitutes. He emphasized that selection is driven by match-specific demands and that the coaching staff has worked hard to prepare players despite a packed schedule and limited training windows. Conceição spoke of confidence in the squad’s depth and readiness to cover absences, underscoring that the primary aim remains a positive result in Doha.
He also reserved praise for the Al Sadd coach and the visiting side’s standout talent, singling out Akram Afif as a key threat. Conceição stressed the need for technical solutions to offset Al-Sadd’s quality, particularly given the physical toll of consecutive fixtures on both teams. The tone was one of respect rather than gamesmanship — a tactical manager acknowledging a well-drilled opponent while insisting on focus and preparation from his players.
On the field: Aouar opens, Firmino’s goal chalked off
The match burst into life early when Houssem Aouar reacted quickly to a rebound and slotted home past Meshaal Barsham to give Al-Ittihad the lead. The finish came after a scrambling sequence in the penalty area that left the goalkeeper exposed, and it set the tempo for a competitive encounter.
Moments later, what appeared to be a blow for Al-Sadd turned controversial when a close-range effort from Roberto Firmino was initially celebrated before being overturned by VAR for a marginal offside. The decision deflated an immediate Al-Sadd response and added a layer of drama to a tightly contested fixture. Play continued at a high tempo, with both sides probing for weaknesses while trying to manage energy levels in the midst of a congested calendar.
Goalkeeping displays were influential: saves kept the scoreline in check and tactical adjustments from the touchlines aimed to exploit space on the flanks. Substitutions reflected the coaches’ attempts to shift the balance, with an eye on both immediate impact and long-term squad management as the group stage approaches its conclusion.
Implications and immediate outlook
The results from this round will shape the closing stage of the group campaign, and both teams know the importance of securing points. For Al-Ittihad, the emphasis on squad unity and rotation provides a framework to navigate injuries and fixture congestion. For Al-Sadd, the task is to convert their technical strengths into goals and sustained pressure despite the setback of a disallowed strike.
Tuesday’s meeting offered a reminder that tactical discipline and marginal decisions — including VAR interventions — can swing momentum in continental knockout-style competitions. As coaches and players digest the match, attention will quickly shift to recovery, analysis and preparation for the next fixtures in the calendar, with both clubs mindful that every point carries weight in the race to advance.
