Conceição’s Revolution: Al-Ittihad Rules the King’s Cup Comeback Drive
27 October 2025
Rising Tide at Al-Ittihad Under Conceição
Former Al-Ittihad forward Naif Hazazi shared his confidence that the team can advance past Al-Nassr in the King’s Cup, as the sides meet in the Round of 16. Hazazi emphasized his belief in the squad’s quality and the elevated level they have reached since Sérgio Conceição took charge.
In an interview with Okaz, Hazazi said he trusts the players to deliver a performance worthy of the club’s ambitions, aiming to extend their cup run and defend the title with renewed vigor.
Hazazi pointed to a clear shift in the team’s technical identity since Conceição’s arrival, noting that the squad now carries a higher tempo and more cohesive attacking and defensive organization. He even teased that the star power of the league’s top talents could spark a memorable clash, with Benzema and Ronaldo featuring prominently for their teams.
He added that the upcoming match could be a showcase of the new, more confident version of the squad, as they chase a place in the quarterfinals and keep alive their hopes of a domestic double this season.
In a separate matter, the club’s president offered a heartfelt message to fans after a recent defeat, underscoring the importance of a winning mentality and steadfast support, despite the setback.
Clash Preview and Tactical Sparks
The encounter is built on anticipation of Conceição’s strategic moves, with talk that he might reinstate Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn and Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajković to strengthen the lineup for the big night. Previously, the coach left them out for tactical reasons, seeking balance in a fixture featuring two of the league’s most storied clubs.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus faces his own squad challenges, as injuries to key attackers Ayman Yahya and Enzo Martinez have raised concerns about readiness. The medical staff has been pressed into action to ensure their stars are available for a game that could redefine the round of 16, especially with Marcelo Brozovic’s recent muscular issue against Al-Fateh causing further selection headaches.
The King’s Cup draw for the quarterfinals is slated for Wednesday at 3 PM in the Thamaniya studios, with matches set across Monday and Tuesday. The lineup includes Gulf rivals and other title hopefuls, culminating in a climactic night featuring the classic clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at Al-Jedda’s home ground.
Historically, Al-Ittihad lifted the trophy last time, earning their sixth title, whereas Al-Hilal remains the most decorated with nine crowns. Al-Ahli trails with eight, and Al-Nassr sits on five, hungry for another trophy to bolster their legacy.
Translation note: The King’s Cup remains a showcase of Saudi football’s depth, with tactical cunning, dramatic comebacks, and the occasional social-media storm that keeps pundits and fans buzzing long after the final whistle.
Punchlines (sniper-style): 1) If this cup run were a shot, Conceição just loaded the magazine and clicked. 2) Ronaldo and Benzema in the same nation’s cup? That’s not a rivalry, that’s a high-stakes cameo appearance.
