Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad reached the West Zone stage of the AFC Champions League with a resounding 4-1 victory over their hosts, Al-Jazira of the UAE.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Saudi team scored twice in the first half, both goals coming from Dutchman Steven Bergwijn. In the second half, Algerian international Houssem Aouar added a third goal, followed by Marwan Al-Sahafi extending the lead to four. Simon Panza then pulled one back for the Emirati side.

Meanwhile, Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan also qualified for the West Zone of the same tournament with a 3-0 win over their Jordanian visitors, Al-Hussein. Dostonbek Khamdamov scored twice for the Uzbek team, and Iraqi Bashar Resan added the third, securing Pakhtakor’s 20th appearance in the continental competition.