Ittihad Jeddah Crushes Sharjah 3-0 to Reignite Asian Elite Quest
4 November 2025
The match, played on 04 November 2025 at the Al-Enma Stadium in Jeddah, saw Ittihad Jeddah beat Sharjah 3-0 in the West group of the AFC Champions League Elite, a crucial result in the early stages of the continental competition.
Early dominance and key moments
Ittihad started strong and opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Dutchman Steeven Berguin headed home a precise cross from Mohammed Al-Shanqeeti, giving the hosts the lead. Sharjah thought they had equalized in the 11th minute through Caio Lucas, but the strike was ruled offside, keeping the scoreline intact.
Throughout the first half, Ittihad continued pressuring, with Benzema producing a couple of dangerous efforts, including a shot from inside the box in the 13th minute. Sharjah also threatened briefly, with Caio Lucas testing the goalkeeper from the edge of the area in the 20th minute, but the ball went wide as the offside flag denied another potential equalizer.
Several moments later, Ittihad created more chances: a well-worked attack in the 24th minute, a shot by Mousa Diaby in the 30th, and another dangerous cross in the 38th that the Sharjah defense managed to clear. The goalkeeper then made a crucial save in the 52nd minute as Osamu Kamara forced a powerful shot, with the rebound being cleared at the last moment.
The first half ended with Ittihad lingering on their single-goal cushion, while Sharjah remained in touch but unable to convert their opportunities into a leveling score.
Benzema seals the win and late flourish
The second half saw Benzema extend the lead in the 66th minute, finishing a well-placed ball from Mousa Diaby after a fluid buildup in the box. A VAR check in the 73rd minute reviewed a potential penalty for Sharjah, but the referee dismissed the appeal and play continued.
Sharjah pushed for a reply, with Ray Manaj testing the keeper in the 77th minute and Doumbia forcing a strong save in the 79th. A late barrage ensued, including a chance in the 88th minute for Adal Terabat that narrowly missed the target.
The scoring was capped off in dramatic fashion in the 90+4th minute when Roger Fernandez converted a superb cross from Faisal Al-Ghamdi to seal the 3-0 victory for the hosts.
Outlook, standings, and upcoming clashes
With this win, Ittihad rise to six points, placing them sixth, while Sharjah sit on four points in eighth. Each team will play eight group-stage matches, with the eight group winners advancing to the knockout rounds. The Round of 16 is slated for March 2026, with Saudi hosts set to stage the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final in April 2026.
Next up for Ittihad is a high-profile derby against Al-Ahli in Jeddah, scheduled for the coming weekend in the Saudi Professional League. Ticket prices for the derby were announced as: Third Class 30 SAR, Second Class 100 SAR, and Premium 300 SAR.
After the domestic clash, Ittihad head abroad to face Al-Duhail in Doha on 24 November for the AFC Elite group stage, before returning home to face Al-Shabab on 28 November in the King Cup Round of 16, keeping a packed schedule in both domestic and continental competitions.
