Dubai giants Shabab Al Ahli FC produced a clinical second-half display to defeat Tractor FC 3-0 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah.
The Round of 16 encounter was tightly contested in the opening half, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to find the breakthrough. Tractor, representing the Iran, even looked the more threatening towards the end of the first half.
However, the decisive moment arrived early in the second period when Tractor goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was sent off in the 52nd minute after fouling striker Sardar Azmoun outside the penalty area.
Reduced to 10 men, Tractor struggled to contain the attacking waves from Paulo Sousa’s side.
The numerical advantage finally paid dividends in the 65th minute when Yuri Cesar calmly converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined that Tractor defender Shojae Khalilzadeh had committed a foul during the build-up.
With the momentum firmly on their side, Shabab Al Ahli doubled their advantage 10 minutes from time through Iranian international Saeid Ezatolahi, who finished clinically from close range after a precise cut-back by Mohammed Juma.
Brazilian forward Mateusao then sealed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, firing into the corner to complete a dominant 3-0 triumph.
The result marks a significant milestone for Shabab Al Ahli, who advance to the quarter-finals of Asia’s premier club competition for the first time since 2015.
Under the guidance of head coach Paulo Sousa, the Emirati side displayed both composure and attacking quality, capitalising on Tractor’s numerical disadvantage to secure a convincing win.
Shabab Al Ahli will now turn their attention to a challenging quarter-final showdown against Buriram United, champions from Thailand.
Credit Photo : Shabab Al Ahli
