Al Duhail returned to the AFC Champions League after an absence of two seasons, following a 3-2 victory over Iranian side Sepahan in the preliminary stage at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Al Duhail thus qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite, joining Al Sadd and Al Gharafa also from Qatar.

Sepahan took an early lead through Amin Hazbavi in the fourth minute. Ibrahima Bamba equalized in the 11th minute, before Adil Boulbina added a second goal in the 24th minute. Krzysztof Piatek added a third in the 24th minute.

Milad Zakipour scored Sepahan’s second goal (93+3 minute).

The match was extremely intense, especially on Sepahan’s side, who surprised the crowd with an attack and an early goal. However, Al Duhail quickly regrouped and took complete control of the game. They were able to score quickly, penetrate Sepahan’s defence and emerged as victorious.