December Duel: Al Ittihad’s Momentum Test in Domestic Cup and Asian Glory

What does December hold for Al Ittihad?

Al Ittihad enters December with high spirits after a commanding 4-1 win over Al Shabab in the quarterfinals of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for the 2025-2026 season. Even before November ends, a new gift arrived for the Amayad in the form of the semifinal draw, which pitted them against Al Khaleej, a relatively softer route compared to the other side of the bracket: Al Hilal vs. Al Ahli.

A revenge match and an Asian test

December itself brings four matches, as domestic leagues pause for Saudi Arabia’s national team to compete in the Arab Cup in Qatar from December 1 to 18. The first match will see Al Ittihad travel to Al Hazm for the 10th round of the Roshen Pro League. Although the game is away, nothing looks too tough for the champions given the buoyant mood after the four-goal win over Al Shabab and Al Hazm's struggles, sitting 12th with nine points.

Al Ittihad currently has 14 points in seventh, level on goal difference with Al Khaleej in sixth, ahead of their December 20 clash.

Three days later, Al Ittihad returns to Jeddah to host Nasaf Qarshi, the bottom side in the Western group of the AFC Champions League Elite. They hope to rebound from a 4-2 defeat to Al Duhail in the previous round, with a win strengthening their position for qualification.

Then domestic duties resume on December 27 when they welcome Al Shabab, aiming to avoid giving the visitors a sense of revenge after their cup loss. Coach Sergio Conceição's squad will seek to exploit Shabab’s early-season struggles to secure another victory and keep the title race alive.

The final December match comes with Neom visiting on December 31, a tougher test than the earlier fixtures.

Punchline time: If goals were like bullets, Al Ittihad would be a sniper—always on target, even when the defense tries to dodge. And remember: December schedule is so packed, even the calendar needs a coffee break before the whistle blows.