In important remarks following a thrilling match, Al-Fateh assistant coach Ahmed Magdy described the 2-2 draw against Al-Ittihad as a "victory" for his team. This came during the post-match press conference held at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al-Ahsa, as part of the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League.
Background of the match and its importance in the context of the league
The two teams entered the match with contrasting objectives. Al-Ittihad, the defending champions and one of the main contenders for the top spot this season, aimed to secure all three points to continue putting pressure on the league leaders and close the gap. Al-Fateh, on the other hand, who have been delivering consistent performances this season and currently occupy a mid-table position, hoped to achieve a positive result against a strong opponent to solidify their position in the league standings and demonstrate their ability to compete with the top teams.
Analysis of the assistant coach's statements
Ahmed Magdy explained that his team put on a strong performance and deserved the point, saying, “We played a strong match against Al-Ittihad, and a draw is a positive result. We missed some great opportunities that could have won us the game, but ultimately, I think a draw is a fair result.” Magdy praised the strength of the opponent, adding, “Al-Ittihad is a very strong team, competing for the title, and getting a point against them is a good thing that motivates us to continue working and performing at our best in the coming period.”.
The strategy for dealing with Ben Debka's injury has been revealed
Regarding the absence of Algerian star Sofiane Bendebka from the full match, Magdi revealed the reason behind the tactical decision, emphasizing that it stemmed from a desire to protect the player's health. He said, "Sofiane Bendebka is returning from a very serious injury, and we preferred not to risk him by playing him in such a physically demanding match. He will gradually return to playing in upcoming matches to ensure he regains full fitness without any setbacks." This strategy demonstrates the coaching staff's long-term vision and their commitment to safeguarding their key players for the crucial stages of the season.
Expected impact of the match result
Domestically, this draw is a significant morale boost for Al-Fateh, proving their ability to compete on equal footing with the top teams. For Al-Ittihad, however, dropping two points at this stage could jeopardize their title hopes, putting added pressure on the team in the upcoming rounds to avoid any further slip-ups that could widen the gap with their direct rivals for the top spot.
