A sense of relief and renewed confidence prevailed within Al-Ettifaq Club after the first football team achieved a dramatic victory over their hosts, Al-Kholoud, in the eighteenth round of the Saudi Professional League. The win was more than just three points; it served as confirmation of the team's renewed fighting spirit, as they successfully turned a deficit into a valuable victory, reflecting a noticeable improvement in the team's character.
Historical background and context of the current season
Al-Ettifaq, nicknamed "The Knights of Ad-Dahna," is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, boasting a rich history of achievements, most notably being the first Saudi team to win the AFC Champions League title undefeated. With the significant transformation of the Saudi Professional League this season and its attraction of international stars, Al-Ettifaq entered the new phase with high ambitions. Despite a shaky start to the season, the team has recently demonstrated remarkable consistency.
The impact of national coach Saad Al-Shehri
This remarkable improvement comes under the leadership of Saudi coach Saad Al-Shehri, who took over from Englishman Steven Gerrard. Statistics show that the team has suffered only one defeat in its last 11 league matches, a strong indicator of Al-Shehri's tactical and psychological success. The recent victory over Al-Kholoud has further boosted the confidence of the management and fans in the Saudi coach's ability to lead the team to its goals and demonstrate the effectiveness of the Saudi coaching school in the most competitive environments.
The importance of winning and its impact on the league standings
Domestically, this victory propelled Al-Ettifaq to sixth place in the Roshan League standings, narrowing the gap with the leading teams and keeping their hopes alive for a top spot that would qualify them for continental competitions next season. This rise in the rankings not only boosts player morale but also sends a strong message to their rivals that the "Knights of Ad-Dahna" are coming back strong to reclaim their rightful place among the elite. The team now awaits a crucial and challenging match when they travel to face Al-Ahli in the nineteenth round, a true test of the team's resilience and their ability to maintain their positive momentum.
