Qatar: Al Shamal opened their AFC Champions League Elite (2026-2027) campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday. Baghdad Bounedjah put Al Shamal ahead in the 63rd minute during their historic continental debut, before Georginio Wijnaldum equalized for Al Ittihad deep into stoppage time (90+4').
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Shamal dominated early chances, hitting the crossbar twice through Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and Wesley Sad, before Bounedjah broke the deadlock off a Ben Romdhane cross. Al Ittihad pressed late, with Wijnaldum capitalizing on a Steven Bergwijn delivery to salvage a point.
