Benzema Returns to Lead Al-Ittihad in a High-Stakes AFC Elite Clash Against Sharjah

Benzema Returns to Lead the Attack

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao unveiled Al-Ittihad’s starting lineup for tonight’s encounter with Sharjah in the West group of the Elite Champions League, to be played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The match forms part of the fourth round of the group stage, with both teams chasing progress in a tightly contested pool.

Al-Ittihad enter the contest under pressure, sitting eighth in the standings on three points after beating Police Iraq, and suffering back-to-back defeats to Al-Wasl and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai. Tonight represents a vital chance to regain momentum and keep hopes alive for a late surge into the knockout rounds.

Sharjah, one place above the hosts with four points, had a mixed run as well: a dramatic 4-3 win over Al-Gharafa, followed by a 1-1 draw with Al-Saad, but a heavy 5-0 loss to Tractor. They also need a positive result to stay in contention for a spot in the last eight.

Emirates Memories and a Daring Route to the Knockouts

In a clash steeped in Emirati-Saudi football history, Al-Ittihad will look to recapture form after a stumble in continental affairs, while Sharjah aims to stack more points on the board to challenge for a place in the Round of 16. The tension is heightened by the knowledge that the two clubs have met in previous editions with varying fortunes, making this a match that could tilt the balance in the group.

The match day emotions are further amplified by the lineup reveal, with Benzema back to spearhead the attack alongside Moussa Diaby and Steven Bergwijn. This trio is tasked with piercing Sharjah’s defence and exploiting any space behind the UAE side’s backline.

Al-Ittihad’s squad for the game features Predrag Rajković in goal, a defensive line of Mohanad Al-Shanqiti, Carlo Simić, Fabinho and Mario Mitai, and a midfield engine room of N’Golo Kanté, Houssem Aouar and Mohamed Doumbia. Up front, Diaby, Benzema and Bergwijn provide a formidable attacking trio. The substitutes’ bench includes a list of seasoned players ready to impact if needed.

Road to the Round of 16 and Derby Hype

Both teams will also be mindful of the larger path to the knockout rounds. The groups award the eight best teams in each zone, with the Round of 16 scheduled for March 2026 and Saudi-hosted venues for the quarterfinals, semis, and final in April. The looming Saudi derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli adds extra spice to the month, with ticket prices disclosed as part of the broader domestic story.

As for Sharjah, their lineup includes Crest images of the side and a starting XI designed to counter Al-Ittihad’s firepower, while the bench features several notable Emirati players who could alter the tempo if introduced.

Historically, Al-Ittihad have faced Emirati clubs 20 times across AFC competitions, with six wins, eight draws and six defeats, a record they will look to improve on tonight. The clash also offers a test of European-style attacking tempo against Gulf competition grit.

Looking ahead, the November schedule promises big payoffs: a derby against Al-Ahli on the 8th, hosting Al-Riyadh on the 21st, a trip to Al-Duhail on the 24th, and finishing the month with a King’s Cup Round of 16 match against Al-Shabab on the 28th. In the meantime, the club has floated the idea of a December international friendly tournament in Riyadh to keep the squad sharp, a plan that could pull a world-class club into a Saudi showpiece nearer to Christmas.

Formation snapshots for tonight: Al-Ittihad will align with Rajković; defense of Al-Shenqiti, Simić, Fabinho, Mitai; midfield of Kanté, Aouar and Doumbia; attack led by Diaby, Benzema and Bergwijn. Substitutes include Shennqiti, Al-Mousa, and multiple Saudi-based talents ready to contribute if needed.

On the opposite bench, Sharjah’s starting XI features Adil Al-Hosani between the posts, with Katsinić, Major Surur, Kayu Lucas, and Luan Herrera across the back, plus Daymen Cho and Majid Rashid in midfield and Piero and Ousmane Kamara in forward roles, supported by a bench packed with experience and youth potential.

In essence, a win here could tilt the entire group in favor of the victor, while a draw would keep both teams within striking distance of the top eight in their zone. The stakes are high, and so is the drama—football’s version of a high-stakes scavenger hunt, but with more running and fewer treasure maps.

Punchline time, because sport loves a good twist: If Benzema plays like a sniper, the goal disappears behind the net just to echo back in cheers. Also, if the defense blinked, Benzema already filed his goal as a 'found item' in the box. And yes, in football terms, a loan is always repaid with interest—preferably in goals.