Algerian international Houssem Aouar shines with a brace as Al Ittihad crush Al Shorta 4–1

Houssem Aouar delivered a standout performance as Al Ittihad defeated Iraqi side Al Shorta 4–1 in the Asian Champions League, scoring twice while playing as a centre forward for the first time in his career.

The Algerian international, typically deployed as an attacking midfielder, was moved into a more advanced role in the absence of Karim Benzema, who missed the match, while Saleh Al Shehri started on the bench.

The tactical experiment paid off handsomely, with Aouar adapting brilliantly to lead the line and showcase his clinical finishing.

The match began in dramatic fashion, with the hosts striking first to take an early lead.

Al Ittihad, however, quickly regrouped and turned the contest on its head.

French winger Moussa Diaby levelled the score before Brazilian midfielder Fabinho netted to give the Saudi side a 2–1 advantage heading into half-time.

الثاااااااااالث قووووووووووووووول pic.twitter.com/iB87JVpGyL

— Media @Ittistudio 🎦 (@MediaIttiS) October 20, 2025

Aouar then took centre stage after the break, completing a masterful individual display.

His first goal came just on the hour mark, capitalising on a sharp counter-attack initiated by Diaby.

The Algerian timed his run perfectly, slipped into space, and finished calmly with a precise side-footed effort to extend Al Ittihad’s lead.

Fifteen minutes later, Aouar struck again in spectacular style.

After intercepting an opponent’s shot deep in his own half, he surged forward on a solo run, elegantly evading a defender with a deft bridge move.

He then released Diaby down the flank before continuing his run into the box to meet the return pass and slot home Al Ittihad’s fourth of the night in the 76th minute.

الهدف من البداية#الاتحاد_الشرطة_العراقي pic.twitter.com/IfedrCDX2y

— الاتحاد x الشرطة العراقي (@hdhshiqi) October 20, 2025

The brace not only sealed a commanding victory but also marked Aouar’s first major impact performance in continental competition for the Saudi champions.

His intelligent positioning, composure under pressure, and chemistry with Diaby drew praise from both teammates and fans alike.

Al Ittihad’s emphatic win keeps their Asian Champions League ambitions firmly on track, with the club displaying fluid attacking play even in the absence of star striker Benzema.

For Aouar, the evening may prove to be a defining moment in his time with the club — one that highlighted his versatility and instinctive ability to influence games from any position on the pitch.