PSG in Qatar: Dembélé Watches Verratti Play

Even though their time as teammates at Paris Saint-germain was brief, Ousmane Dembélé and Marco Verratti clearly forged a strong bond. During a recent visit to Qatar to receive treatment for a thigh injury at the renowned Aspetar clinic, Dembélé seized the opportunity to catch an Asian Champions League match between Al-duhail and Al-Ahli. It was there he reconnected with a familiar face from his PSG days.

Marco Verratti, who has been a key player for Al-Duhail as the start of the season, was a starter in this highly anticipated fixture. The Italian midfielder spent eleven years with Paris Saint-Germain before making the move to Qatar in September 2023, just a month after dembélé arrived in the French capital. Fast forward to 2025, and Dembélé has continued to evolve his game, even achieving the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

The match itself, a league phase encounter that ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, featured a host of familiar names for fans of European football. On the Al-Duhail side, alongside verratti, was former Rennes standout Benjamin Bourigeaud. The Al-Ahli squad boasted a formidable lineup, including former AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek, and also established stars like Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.The presence of these high-profile players underscores the growing quality and international appeal of the Asian Champions League.