23 December 2025 at 16:00
Match Summary
Al Sadd defeated Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 4:2. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2025. Goals were scored by F. Cartabia 47′, Y. Al Ghassani 70′ (pen.), R. Mujica 75′, T. Salman 90′, R. Mujica 90′, R. Mujica 90′. 6 yellow cards were shown. Al Sadd had 57% possession while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai held 43%. Al Sadd had 20 shots (7 on target) compared to 12 (5 on target) for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. Al Sadd made 3 substitutions, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Federico Cartabia 67′).
Match Events
Key match events between Al Sadd and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai — 6 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Seifi
Penalty
assist: A. Afif
assist: Roberto Firmino
assist: A. Afif
Match Statistics
Al Sadd had 57% possession against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai's 43%. Al Sadd registered 20 shots (7 on target) while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai managed 12 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 6–1. Fouls committed: 5–5.
Lineups
Al Sadd lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Roberto Mancini, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai deployed a 4-4-1-1 under Paulo Sousa.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Al Sadd is 6.81, compared to 6.93 for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Al Sadd's highest-rated starter is Claudinho (7.46), while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai's best-rated player is Guilherme (7.37).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Al Sadd have contributed 8 goals and 13 assists this season, led by Roberto Firmino (4G). Shabab Al Ahli Dubai's starters account for 14 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by Breno (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Al Sadd deploy 4 defenders rated 6.61 on average, against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai's 4-man backline averaging 6.85. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Al Sadd field 5 midfielders averaging 6.95, versus Shabab Al Ahli Dubai's 5 rated 7.07. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Al Sadd start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.03, compared to 2 for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai averaging 6.78. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 82% for Al Sadd and 81% for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Al Sadd's starters have collected 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Al Sadd's starting XI is 27.8 (youngest: P. Prim (19), oldest: Pedro Miguel (35)), while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai average 25.2 (youngest: Kauan Santos (21), oldest: B. Planic (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Al Sadd's starters average 8 league appearances each, versus 8 for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Roberto Mancini
Substitutes
Coach: Paulo Sousa
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Al Sadd have recorded 1 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Al Sadd
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai
API data: 20 Apr 2026