There’s a storm brewing over in Jeddah, and it’s centered squarely on Al-Ittihad. The Yellow Tigers are in a bit of a tailspin, and all eyes are on their upcoming clash with Al-Riyadh at the Alinma Stadium. It’s a match that feels like more than just three points; it’s about pride, momentum, and turning the tide on what has been a seriously tough run of form.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Al-Ittihad is in a rough patch, failing to win any of their last five league games.
- ✓ New manager Sergio Conceicao is still chasing his first league victory after four matches in charge.
- ✓ Star forward Karim Benzema remains the team's key player, leading the charge despite the team's struggles.
- ✓ The team is facing a defensive crisis with Fabinho suspended and defender Saad Al-Mousa recovering from surgery.
- ✓ Al-Riyadh sits just three points behind Al-Ittihad, making their upcoming match a critical six-pointer.
A Manager's Quest for a First Win
Let's talk about the man in the hot seat, Sergio Conceicao. He arrived last month with high hopes, but the Saudi Pro League has not been kind to him so far. After four league games, he's still searching for that elusive first victory, with a record of two draws and two painful losses. It's a tough start by any measure, and the pressure is definitely mounting.
The team's overall form is a real cause for concern, reflected in their recent record of LDLDL across all competitions. The latest blow came just before the international break in the heated Jeddah derby against Al-Ahli. A single goal from Riyadh Mahrez in the 55th minute was enough to sink them, sending them tumbling down to eighth place in the league table with just 11 points from eight games. You can feel the frustration, and Conceicao knows he has a mountain to climb to get this team back to the "promised land."
The Defensive Dilemma
As if the poor results weren't enough, Conceicao is dealing with some major headaches in his squad selection, particularly in defense. Midfield anchor Fabinho will be watching from the sidelines against Al-Riyadh after getting sent off with a red card just 32 minutes into the game against Al-Khaleej. That’s a huge loss of experience and stability in the middle of the park.
But the bigger story is the absence of defender Saad Al-Mousa. The Saudi international suffered a nasty fracture to his right ankle during training earlier this month, which required surgery in London. The good news is that the surgery was a success, and according to reports from Al-Riyadiyah, he’s already back at the club's headquarters starting his treatment program. The medical staff is watching him closely, but his return isn't imminent. With the team's results on the decline, his absence in an already thin defensive line is being felt deeply.
The Benzema Factor: A Glimmer of Hope
When your team is struggling, you look to your stars to pull you through. For Al-Ittihad, that star is undoubtedly Karim Benzema. The former Real Madrid legend is the heart and soul of this team, and his leadership on and off the pitch is what keeps the hope alive. His quality is undeniable, and he has the ability to turn a game on its head in an instant.
To see what Al-Ittihad is capable of when they're clicking, you only need to look at their last encounter with Al-Riyadh. In that match, which Al-Ittihad eventually won 2-1, they were utterly dominant from the start. Benzema was the one who broke the deadlock, finding the back of the net in the 24th minute to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead. The first half of that game was a masterclass in control.
The stats from that first half alone tell the whole story. Al-Ittihad bossed the game with 65% possession, firing off 6 shots with 2 on target. They earned 3 corners and completely pushed Al-Riyadh into their own half. In stark contrast, Al-Riyadh couldn't even manage a single shot at goal. That’s the kind of performance Conceicao will be dreaming of, with Benzema leading a formidable attacking lineup that could include stars like N'golo Kante, Moussa Diaby, and Roger Fernandes.
Scouting the Opposition: Al-Riyadh's Game Plan
Now, let's not discount Al-Riyadh. They're not just going to roll over. They've had a respectable run in their last three league games and come into this match on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Damac FC. In that game, Gonzalez gave them an early lead, and they were heartbreakingly close to securing all three points before conceding in the 85th minute.
Their manager, Javier Calleja, typically sets his team up in a classic 4-4-2 formation. The attack is spearheaded by Haji and the team's top scorer, Mamadou Sylla, who will be itching to get on the scoresheet again. They've had a mixed season so far, with two wins, two draws, and four losses from their eight league games, but they know a win against a struggling giant like Al-Ittihad could be a massive boost.
Calleja knows his side needs to be more energetic and clinical if they want to avoid a scrap at the bottom of the table. Facing an Al-Ittihad side that's low on confidence but high on individual talent presents a unique opportunity. If they can weather the early storm and frustrate the home crowd, they might just be able to snatch a result.
Conclusion
So, here we are. This upcoming match on Friday evening is shaping up to be a defining moment for Al-Ittihad's season. They are a team wounded by poor form, plagued by defensive injuries and suspensions, but they possess a game-changer in Karim Benzema. For Sergio Conceicao, this isn't just about three points; it's about stamping his authority on the team and proving he can navigate these choppy waters.
On the other side, Al-Riyadh smells blood in the water. They have a chance to leapfrog a giant and make a statement. The last time these two met, Al-Ittihad came out on top, but this is a very different scenario. It’s a classic story of a struggling powerhouse versus a determined underdog, and it’s going to be absolutely fascinating to watch unfold.
