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Al-Ettifaq's Masterclass: Saad Al-Shahri Outsmarts the Giants in a 1-0 Thriller

17 January 2026

Al-Ettifaq's Masterclass: Saad Al-Shahri Outsmarts the Giants in a 1-0 Thriller
Al-Ettifaq boss Saad Al-Shahri celebrates a pivotal win over Al-Ittihad.

Match context

Saudi coach Saad Al-Shahri steered Al-Ettifaq to a crucial 1-0 victory over Al-Ittihad in Round 16 of the Roshan Saudi Pro League, sealing a performance that underscored his aptitude for handling high-stakes clashes and shaping a composed, tenacious side.

The win lifts Ettifaq to 25 points in seventh place, while Al-Ittihad stays on 27 in sixth, reflecting a tactical edge by the home side against a club of serious pedigree.

Al-Shahri’s influence this season has been clear, pairing defensive balance with attacking intent and maintaining strict tactical discipline, which has translated into solid results in the league’s marquee fixtures.

Notably, the coach has not lost to the season’s big clubs aside from a heavy 0-5 defeat to Al-Hilal; he has drawn with Al-Nassr 2-2, Al-Shabab 1-1, and Al-Ahli 0-0, illustrating his ability to prepare Ettifaq for tough tests despite the rating gaps between sides.

This victory over Al-Ittihad marks Al-Shahri’s first win against the

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the match between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad?

Al-Ettifaq won 1-0 against Al-Ittihad in Round 16 of the Saudi Pro League.

What has been Saad Al-Shahri’s impact this season?

He has blended defensive balance with attacking threat and maintained tight tactical discipline, leading to strong results in big games.

How did this result affect the standings?

Al-Ettifaq moved to 25 points (7th), while Al-Ittihad remained on 27 points (6th).

Has Al-Shahri beaten big clubs this season?

He has not defeated Al-Hilal this season (a 0-5 loss) but has drawn with several other big clubs, showing resilience against top teams.