Algerian international Youssef Atal was forced off during the Qatar-UAE Super Cup final as Al Sadd secured a 3-2 victory over Shabab Al Ahli on Saturday.
The full-back suffered a leg injury in the final moments of the first half, which prevented him from continuing after the break. Atal, who started on the wing, was substituted immediately after the interval by the coaching staff following the incident.
Before leaving the field, Atal was influential in Al Sadd’s attacking play. Known for his pace and energy, he repeatedly made forward runs and created opportunities down the flank, challenging the Emirati defence throughout the first half
. At one stage, he tested Shabab Al Ahli’s goalkeeper with a dangerous shot that was narrowly cleared, highlighting his threat even as Al Sadd trailed early in the match.
The Algerian’s performance underscored his importance to the team, but the injury curtailed his involvement at a crucial stage of the contest.
Medical staff immediately assessed him following the substitution, and an official statement from the club is expected to clarify the severity of the injury and the anticipated recovery period.
Al Sadd ultimately overcame Shabab Al Ahli 3-2 to lift the Super Cup, but the victory was tempered by concerns over Atal’s fitness.
The Algerian full-back, who has been a key figure for both club and country, now faces a period of uncertainty while undergoing further examination.
Club officials have confirmed that Atal’s condition will be closely monitored in the coming days. Fans will await updates on whether the injury could affect his availability for upcoming fixtures.
The incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands of competitive finals, where players frequently push their limits to influence the outcome.
Despite his early exit, Atal’s performance during the first half demonstrated his ability to impact high-stakes matches, and Al Sadd will hope for a swift recovery for their wing-back as they continue their campaign.
