Another Setback for Saudi Champions Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League

Al-Ittihad Jeddah, reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, suffered their second defeat in the AFC Champions League Elite, falling 1-0 at home to UAE side Shabab Al-Ahli in Matchday 2. The loss came just days after surrendering the top spot in the Saudi league with a defeat to Al-Nassr—a result that triggered the dismissal of French coach Laurent Blanc, who had already overseen the team’s first continental setback against UAE’s Al-Wahda (1-2).

At the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi scored the game’s only goal in the 40th minute, lifting Shabab Al-Ahli’s tally to four points.

Al-Ittihad pressed from the outset but were repeatedly denied by Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajković. He first parried a fierce cross-shot from Brazilian Yuri César that struck the post before being cleared by the defense inside two minutes. 

Rajković intervened again to stop Sultan Al-Amri’s effort (37), then pushed another strike behind for a corner (39).

Shabab Al-Ahli converted their momentum into the breakthrough when Ezatolahi rose to meet a corner and powered a header past Rajković to his left (40). The Serbian shot-stopper continued to shine in the second half, thwarting Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Bala’s strike (53).

Another Draw for Al-Sadd

In another fixture, Qatar’s Al-Sadd were held to a 1-1 home draw against UAE’s Sharjah, their second consecutive tie, leaving them temporarily in sixth place. The result further intensified pressure on Spanish coach Félix Sánchez, who has now failed to guide the team to victory in six straight matches across all competitions, recording four draws and two defeats.

Sharjah could have taken all three points but squandered numerous chances, ultimately settling for their first draw after an opening win over Al-Gharafa (4-3). They now sit third in the group on four points.

Al-Sadd had gone ahead through star forward Akram Afif, who produced a dazzling solo effort, dribbling past multiple defenders before smashing home a powerful shot (18).

Sharjah missed a golden chance to equalize when Brazilian forward Caio Lucas failed to convert a penalty awarded after Boualem Khoukhi handled the ball. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham came up big with the save (20).

The Emirati side dominated the second half, squandering several opportunities before finally drawing level as Caio made amends, converting from close range after Moroccan playmaker Adel Taarabt’s assist (73).