Sharjah suffered another defeat under their Serbian coach Milos Milojevic in the AFC Champions League Elite, losing 3-0 to Saudi Ittihad of Jeddah on Tuesday. The first goal was scored by Dutchman Steven Bergwijn (8'), then Frenchman Karim Benzema added a second (66'), and Roger Fernandes sealed the victory (90+4'). This defeat worsened Sharjah's situation, significantly hampering their chances of qualifying for the second round. The team is now stuck on four points and occupies the eighth place in the overall standings. The start was a shock for Sharjah, as they conceded an early goal due to a mistake by defender Khalid Al-Zuhni, who failed to clear a cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqati, allowing Steven Bergwijn to head it into the net. Sharjah could have equalized immediately when Caio Luque was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he put the ball wide. The UAE team continued their efforts to find an equalizing goal with quick counter-attacks from the keeper to the left-back Pierrar, but his shot was again saved by the goalkeeper. Karim Benzema ended the Emirati team's hopes of a comeback by scoring a second goal after a precise cross from Moussa Diaby, which he easily slotted into the net. In stoppage time, Roger Fernandes completed his brace, securing a well-deserved victory for Ittihad.
