Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad is preparing for a crucial and decisive test when they host Qatar's Al-Gharafa on Tuesday evening at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage. Al-Ittihad enters this match with a "win or bust" mentality, aiming to secure their place in the Round of 16 of the continent's premier club competition.
A historical context and a confrontation with a Gulf flavor
The AFC Champions League holds special significance for Al-Ittihad, a club with a rich history in the competition. They are one of the most successful Saudi Arabian clubs on the continent, having won the title twice consecutively in 2004 and 2005. This historical legacy places added pressure on the current generation of players to fulfill the aspirations of fans who hope to see a return to Asian glory. Historically, Al-Ittihad has a clear advantage in head-to-head encounters with Qatari clubs, having faced them 11 times in Asian competitions, winning 8 matches, drawing 1, and losing 2. Furthermore, Al-Ittihad's attack is formidable against Qatari teams, having scored 37 goals while conceding only 11, giving them a psychological edge before the match.
The importance of the match and its expected impact
The importance of this match extends far beyond the three points; it carries significant moral and future implications for both teams. For Al-Ittihad, who have recently suffered a decline in form and results domestically, Asian qualification represents a lifeline for the season and a chance to appease their fans. A victory would guarantee the team's continued participation in the race for a major continental title and boost player confidence before the final round, where they might strive to improve their group position. As for Al-Gharafa, this match represents their last chance to cling to qualification hopes. They must secure a positive result and hope for their rivals to slip up, allowing them to play with full force and without any pressure.
Technical analysis and the teams' positions
Al-Ittihad enters the match in sixth place in the West Zone with 9 points, while Al-Gharafa sits in ninth with 6 points. Despite the absence of some key players due to injury, such as Dutchman Steven Bergwijn and Saleh Al-Shehri, the team relies on a constellation of international stars and foreign professionals, including Frenchman Moussa Diaby, Malian Modibo Doumbia, and Brazilian Fabinho, in addition to winter signings like Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri and Cameroonian Stefan Keller. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa understands that its chances of qualifying hinge on pulling off an upset in Jeddah, and will depend on its standout players, such as Algerian Yacine Brahimi, Tunisian Ferjani Sassi, and Spaniard Joselu, to fight for its chances until the very end.
