Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, enter their 20th round match with a dual objective: securing three points and, more importantly, appeasing their disgruntled fans after a series of inconsistent results that have seen them fall from the top of the table. The "Dean" hosts Al-Tai at their home ground in Jeddah in a match seen as an opportunity to regain confidence and get back on track.
Match context and historical background
After a historic 2022-2023 season in which they won the league title after a long absence, Al-Ittihad entered the current season with enormous expectations, especially after their high-profile summer signings that brought in world-class stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho. However, the team's performance has not been as consistent as expected, as they suffered a decline in form that led to the dismissal of coach Nuno Espírito Santo and the appointment of Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, in addition to a disappointing exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, which was held on their home soil.
Al-Ittihad's current position is unbecoming of the defending champions and their fans' ambitions, making every upcoming match, starting with the Al-Ta'ee game, a do-or-die final. Only a victory will satisfy the Al-Ittihad supporters, who are eager to see their team return to winning ways and seriously compete for at least one of the AFC Champions League qualifying spots.
The importance of the match and its expected impact
The importance of this match lies in its potential as a springboard for a new era under Gallardo's leadership. A victory against Al-Tai would not only secure three valuable points but also restore some much-needed calm to the club, especially given the recent crisis surrounding captain Karim Benzema's absence from training, which cast a shadow over the team's preparations. Doubts still linger about the French star's participation, placing even greater responsibility on the rest of the squad.
With Benzema potentially unavailable, attention will turn to other players to spearhead the attack, such as Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, Brazilians Romarinho and Fabinho, and French midfield dynamo N'Golo Kanté. These big names must prove their ability to lead the team through this difficult period.
On the other hand, Al-Tai enters the match fighting to avoid relegation. Despite their low position in the standings, matches like these against top teams provide a special incentive for their players to give their best, making the task against Al-Ittihad anything but easy. Al-Tai is aiming for a positive result that will help them in their battle to escape the threat of relegation.
In short, Sunday’s match is more than just a league game; it is a real test of Al-Ittihad’s character and ability to handle pressure, and a serious attempt to restore its prestige and reconcile with its fans who are hungry for victories.
