The fifth round of the AFC Champions League group stage will feature a fierce match when reigning Saudi United champions Jeddah United visit Al Marek, the fourth-ranked team in the UAE Football League.
In this match, Jeddah United need only to win to advance to the group stage. Prior to the match, Jeddah United topped Group C with 9 points, while Almarek finished last in the group with 0 points. In the first round, Jeddah United beat Almarek by 3 goals, and on paper, Almarek is far inferior to Jeddah United. As a result, less than 11% of the fans believe that the home team Almarek can create a big surprise and beat Jeddah United.
Almarek fielded strong players such as Martin, Rustamov, Djiyosov, Denisov and others in the starting lineup on their home field. Jeddah United, on the other hand, are away from home and have excellent players in their starting lineup such as Hammad, Ghamdi, Benzema, Fabinho, and Wakata.
Jeddah United took the lead in the 31st minute when Fabinho made a great pass, helped by Chinese Super League veteran Hammad.
In the 35th minute, Shanketi managed to cross the ball to Hammad who then scored his second goal.
Martin scored for the hosts in the 79th minute to help them close the gap.
Jeddah United managed to beat Almarek in their final match to advance to the knockout stage in the early rounds, while Almarek suffered a fifth consecutive defeat.
