Al-Ittihad Surges Past Al-Shorta in Baghdad to Grab First AFC Elite Win
20 October 2025
First half
In Baghdad, the Saudi side Al-Ittihad battled back from an early setback to secure a commanding 4-1 win over Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite. Bassam Shaker opened the scoring for the Iraqi hosts in the fifth minute, finishing from a well-placed cross. Al-Ittihad equalized in the 17th minute when Moussa Diaby headed home a cross from Mohamed Doumbia. The visitors then took the lead in the 29th minute as Fabinho capped a flowing move with a precise finish after a pass from Doumbia.
Shorta pressed at the start, but Al-Ittihad grew into the game, helped by a disciplined display and dangerous counters. The interval left the score at 2-1 in favor of the Saudis, who carried the momentum into the second half.
Second half
The tide turned decisively in the 50th minute when Danilo Pereira of Al-Ittihad saw a second yellow card and was sent off. Undeterred, Al-Ittihad extended their advantage as Houssam Awar struck twice in the 60th and 76th minutes, sealing a comprehensive victory with two clinical finishes following quick build-up plays from the wings.
Shorta pushed for a reply and had a goal ruled out in the 78th minute for offside, while other late efforts were repelled by the Saudian defense and goalkeeper. The match ultimately finished 4-1, a result that boosted Al-Ittihad to three points in the Western group and left Shorta stranded on a single point in a tough group stage run.
Final notes: The Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição guided his side with a blend of pace, possession, and lethal finishing, while Shorta’s early lead could not withstand the visitors’ renewed intensity after the break. The match demonstrated how discipline and adaptability can turn the tide in continental competitions.
And yes, if football were a sniper’s sport, Al-Ittihad just lined up the perfect headshot: calm, precise, and a little mischievous with the goalkeeper’s nerves. Now that’s what I call a clean hit. Also, if humor were a red card, this game would have deserved a second yellow for the referee’s dramatic timing—so much for a quiet night in Baghdad!
