Youssef El Arabi struck four times as giants Al Duhail outplayed Al Ahli 6-1 in a fast-paced contest at the former’s home ground.

El Arabi (25th, 55th, 64th-minute penalty and 68th), Youssef Msakni (39th) and Nam Tae-Hee (stoppage time) scored the goals as Al Duhail posted their fourth consecutive win in the league campaign. Christian Nazart (47th) got on the scoresheet for Al Ahli. 

With coach Djamel Belmadi giving instructions from the stands, Al Duhail kicked off the proceedings with pace and fire in their attacks.

After attempts by captain Msakni and Luiz Martin Junior, Al Duhail duly surged ahead as Moroccan forward El Arabi produced a near-perfect header off a cross by Nam following a corner. 

With the game picking up incredible pace, Al Ahli stalwart Meshaal Abdullah was booked for bringing down Luis Martin with a reckless tackle in the 26th minute.

Six minutes from half-time, Al Duhail jumped to a 2-0 lead, with Mskani firing a 29M bullet for his side’s second goal. 

Nazart reduced the deficit for Al Ahli with a spectacular shot in the 46th minute, but that was all they could do in terms of scoring. Al Duhail raced to a 3-1 lead when El Arabi found the net six minutes later. He completed his hat-trick in the 64th by converting from the spot.

El Arabi then headed home from close range following a near-perfect cross from Nam, who completed the rout late in the game.