Crucial Test for Ittihad’s Star Ahead of the ACL Showdown

Ahead of the ACL Showdown in Baghdad

Al-Ittihad, the Saudi powerhouse, heads to Baghdad on Sunday by private plane to face Al-Shorta on Monday in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite, the group stage portion of the continental competition. The trip comes two days after a domestic fixture, as the team looks to translate recent learnings into a positive result on Iraqi soil.

Al-Ittihad’s Algerian winger Hassan Aouar is at the center of attention, as he will undergo a medical evaluation in the hours ahead to determine whether he can feature in the Monday clash. His availability is crucial, given his status as a key attacking asset in the squad’s plans.

The club’s Portuguese coach, Sergio Conceicao, is keen to have Aouar back if possible, placing his faith in the player’s ability to unlock stubborn defenses and provide a decisive edge for the visitors.

Injury Update and Squad Plan

Saudi media indicate that all regular starters who featured in the match against Al-Fayha will undergo recovery and rehabilitation sessions, while the rest of the squad trains as usual at the club’s facilities. The delegation is scheduled to depart on Sunday morning, with a private flight to Baghdad and a single training session at the match venue after arrival.

Conceicao had previously left Aouar out of the squad for the game against Al-Fayha, along with Albanian Mario Mettai and Serbian Carlo Simić, citing readiness and tactical rest as factors. Today’s circumstances place greater emphasis on recovery and selection choices for the Iraqi test.

Key Injuries, AFCON Absence, and Tactical Light

The winger’s absence from full training traces back to a hamstring issue suffered in the fourth-round derby with Al-Nassr. He left the field in the 33rd minute, and Faisal Al-Ghamdi replaced him. So far this season, Aouar has appeared in six matches across competitions, scoring once and delivering performances that the coach values highly.

Aouar’s potential prolonged absence looms large due to his national team duties. He is expected to be part of Algeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which means a likely absence from several domestic and continental games—roughly four to five matches, possibly more if Algeria advances deep into the tournament. The timing could make the ACL campaign even more challenging for Ittihad, depending on how far Algeria goes.

Searching for the first continental win

Al-Ittihad is chasing their first victory in this ACL Elite campaign after two tough results—losing to UAE’s Al-Wahda and then to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai. The Turkish-built grind of a continental schedule already tests the squad’s depth and resilience, and the club is counting on fresh energy as they prepare for the Iraqi side in Baghdad.

Heavy schedule ahead

Beyond Baghdad, the team returns to domestic duties with a high-stakes Saudi Clasico against Al-Hilal scheduled for next Friday. Then comes a landmark King Cup Round of 16 date against Al-Nassr on October 28, at Al-Ittihad’s home venue, a match many see as a potential turning point or revenge mission given recent results.

Conceicao’s assessment and plan

After the league clash with Al-Fayha, Conceicao spoke about the early stages of his tenure, stressing that the squad is still in a rebuilding phase. He admitted the first half showed the difficulties created by a tight schedule and limited preparation, while the second half pitted them against a compact, well-organized opponent. He noted missed chances, including a penalty, and reminded reporters that three players are specialists in penalties; Karim Benzema was chosen this time. He also cautioned that rapid tactical revolutions are unlikely in such a congested period, underscoring the need to rebuild confidence and tighten defensive and offensive facets step by step.

Conceicao closed with a message to players and supporters: at this level, hardship is part of the journey, but Ittihad is a champion side that will steadily return to the path of success through hard work and a shared sense of purpose.

Punchline time: If patience were a football tactic, Conceicao would have won the league by halftime. And if humor could be a substitute, the bench would be loaded with jokes—yet somehow the defense would still stay offside.