Al-Ittihad's first football team faces a tough challenge when they host Qatari side Al-Sadd in a highly anticipated match in the eighth round of the AFC Champions League. This encounter is particularly significant as it will be played at Al-Inma Stadium, where Al-Ittihad will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to improve their position in the continental standings.

Al-Ittihad's coaching staff suffered a major blow with the confirmed absence of six key players from the squad called up for this crucial match, putting the coach to a real test in finding suitable replacements. Leading the list of absentees is star player Moussa Diaby, who will miss the game due to a recent injury that sidelined him from recent domestic and continental competitions, representing a significant loss to the team's attacking prowess.

The list of absentees also includes the speedy winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, due to his lack of full technical and physical readiness for a match of this magnitude and high competitiveness. Other important names join the list, including defender Saad Al-Mousa, international striker Saleh Al-Shehri (who is injured), Ahmed Al-Julaidan (also injured), and finally, midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi. This reduces the tactical options available to the team in midfield and attack.

Despite these significant absences, Al-Ittihad enters the match with high morale and great ambition to continue its winning streak, building on its strong performance in the previous round. The team achieved a resounding and historic 7-0 victory over Qatari side Al-Gharafa, a result that sent a strong message to its rivals about the team's attacking capabilities even under difficult circumstances.

Matches between Saudi and Qatari clubs are always fiercely contested and exciting, especially in the continental championship under its new "elite" format, where each team strives to accumulate as many points as possible to secure a high ranking and advance to the knockout stages. Al-Ittihad fans hope that the substitute players can compensate for the numerical disadvantage and deliver a performance worthy of the club's reputation, overcoming the challenge of Al-Sadd of Qatar, one of the strongest teams in Asia, and continuing their journey towards winning the Asian title.

In a remarkable technical move reflecting the strategic vision of the technical staff, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the technical director of Al-Nasr Club, surprised the sports circles and the team’s fans by deciding to call up two new players to the team’s roster, which is ready to play an important match against the Arkadag team, as part of the second leg of the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2.

Jesus has officially decided to include the young Iraqi talent Haider Abdulkarim, along with the promising player Abdulmalik Al-Jaber, in the team's training camp in preparation for this continental match. This decision comes as part of the Portuguese coach's efforts to give young players an opportunity to prove their worth in official matches, especially in continental tournaments that require stamina and squad depth.

Strengthening the bench and rotation policy

The call-up of Abdulkarim and Al-Jaber comes as part of a comprehensive plan by Jesus to implement a rotation policy among players, in order to avoid fatigue that could affect key players due to the congested schedule of matches in domestic and continental competitions. This match is considered an ideal opportunity to assess the levels of young players and prepare them to be a mainstay of the first team in upcoming competitions, thus strengthening the coach's tactical options.

The away result provides comfort

Al-Nassr enters this match with high morale and a sense of relative ease, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, courtesy of a goal from striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan. This away win has given the team a tactical and psychological advantage ahead of the return leg, making it easier for the coach to field new players without putting them under undue pressure. The team aims to confirm its superiority and secure qualification for the quarterfinals.

Continental victory ambitions with Jesus

Under the guidance of veteran coach Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr is looking to continue its impressive winning streak this season. The club's ambitions extend beyond domestic competition, aiming to win the AFC Champions League title for the second time and add another continental trophy to its collection. Al-Nassr fans are placing great faith in Jesus's tactical acumen and extensive experience to manage these knockout matches wisely, balancing tactical performance with positive results to ensure continued success on all fronts.

Tonight, all eyes of Moroccan and Spanish football fans will be on the stadium where Girona and Barcelona will clash, with everyone eagerly anticipating the return of Moroccan star Azzedine Ounahi to the pitch. This comes after a two-month absence due to injury, making this La Liga matchday 24 fixture a pivotal moment in the player's season as he looks to rediscover his form.

Full recovery and physical readiness

In recent days, Onahi has fully participated in Girona's group training sessions, demonstrating a high level of physical and technical readiness that has reassured the team's coaching staff. The player had undergone an intensive rehabilitation program following an injury sustained while representing Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Reports from the Catalan club indicate that he is now a strong candidate to be included in the squad for the match against Barcelona, ​​either as a starter or as a valuable substitute.

Details of absence and return

Looking back, Azzedine Ounahi's last official appearance for Girona was on December 12th, when they faced Real Sociedad in the sixteenth round of La Liga. He then joined the Moroccan national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, but unfortunately, he suffered an injury after the group stage, depriving his club of his services for the past eight weeks.

The importance of the match and the timing of the return

Onahi's return at this time is of paramount importance to Girona, especially as the team faces its fierce rival Barcelona in a Catalan derby that is always characterized by its intensity and excitement. These matches are considered an ideal opportunity for established players to prove their abilities, and Onahi will be looking to utilize his exceptional dribbling skills and ability to link up play to provide the desired boost to Girona's midfield.

Onahi's influence and brilliant career

Since his remarkable performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Azzedine Ounahi has become one of the most anticipated players for Moroccan and Arab fans in the major European leagues. His return to regular playing time in La Liga is welcome news for Moroccan fans, who closely follow the progress of their professionals abroad, as this will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the national team in upcoming competitions. Having a player with Ounahi's tactical attributes provides Girona's coach with creative solutions to unlock opposing defenses, something the team hopes to achieve in today's challenging match.