Al-Gharafa to host Esteghlal FC in matchday two of the AFC Champions League Elite

Al-Gharafa will host Esteghlal FC on 12 October 2026 at 21:15 Damascus time, in a meeting between the two sides in matchday two of the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite for the 2026/27 season, with the match broadcast on beIN SPORTS.

Al-Gharafa arrive at this meeting after a difficult run of results, having lost 2-3 away to Al-Wakrah on 8 October 2026, before that losing 1-2 away to Al-Hilal on 15 September 2026, as well as drawing goalless with Lusail at home on 11 September 2026, losing 1-4 away to Al-Sadd on 5 September 2026, in addition to losing 1-3 at home to Al-Shamal on 27 August 2026.

In contrast, Esteghlal FC entered the competition with a win at home over Al-Sadd by a score of 3-0 on 14 September 2026.

In the last meeting between the two sides, Esteghlal FC beat Al-Gharafa 3-0, with that match having been held on 16 September 2024 at Esteghlal FC's stadium.

According to the West Group standings, Esteghlal FC sit in second place with 3 points from one match, which they won, scoring 3 goals during it without conceding, while Al-Gharafa sit in twelfth place with zero points from one match, which they lost, scoring one goal during it and conceding two goals.