The coaching staff of Al-Ittihad's first football team, led by veteran Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, has largely settled on the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Qatari side Al-Sadd. This match is part of the final round of the group stage in the AFC Champions League, where Al-Ittihad aims to reaffirm its continental prowess.

Match details and date

Al-Ittihad will be a tough opponent for Al-Sadd in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday evening, in a match that carries special significance despite the mathematical aspects of the tie being settled. Al-Ittihad officially secured their place in the knockout stages (Round of 16) after an impressive run in the group stage, where they amassed 12 points, reflecting the technical stability the team enjoys under the leadership of coach Conceição.

Al-Ittihad's expected lineup against Al-Sadd

Based on recent training sessions and the Portuguese coach's tactical vision, Al-Ittihad is expected to enter the match with a lineup that combines experience and young talent to ensure balance. The predictions are as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Rajkovic.
• Defense line: Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadash.
• Midfield: Houssem Aouar, Fabinho, Doumbia.
• Attack line: Abdulaziz Al-Bishi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Rogers Fernandez.

The importance of the match and the continental context

Although the match is considered a formality in terms of Al-Ittihad's qualification, it holds significant importance both psychologically and tactically. Coach Conceição aims to use this encounter to prepare his players for the crucial knockout stages and to test various tactical approaches against a strong opponent like Al-Sadd of Qatar on their home ground and in front of their fans. Al-Ittihad also aims to finish the group stage in the best possible way to send a strong message to their rivals in Asia.

History of the Federation in Asian Championships

Al-Ittihad boasts a rich history in Asian championships, having previously reigned supreme in the continent twice consecutively in 2004 and 2005 – an achievement still etched in the memories of Saudi and Asian fans. Participation in the current edition of the AFC Champions League, under its new name and format, presents a golden opportunity for the club to reclaim its continental glory and compete strongly for the title, especially given the significant reinforcements the team has received with the addition of world-class stars such as Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Matches between Saudi and Qatari clubs are always the focus of attention for fans due to the high level of competition and similar technical levels, promising an enjoyable football match befitting the reputation of the two great teams at the end of this round.

Ajax Amsterdam have suffered a major blow after officially announcing that their Ukrainian player, Oleksandr Zinchenko, has sustained a serious knee injury, effectively ending his season prematurely. This shocking news comes just one month after the player joined the Dutch giants on loan from Arsenal during the winter transfer window, in an attempt to revive his career this season.

The Dutch club issued an official statement detailing the medical aspects of the injury, confirming that thorough examinations at the hospital revealed the urgent need for knee surgery. The statement indicated that the recovery period would be lengthy, confirming Zinchenko's absence for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred at a particularly inopportune time, specifically in the opening minutes of the match against Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruyff Arena, forcing the player to leave the field in pain.

This injury marks another chapter of suffering for the Ukrainian star this season, as his journey has been unstable from the start. Zinchenko began the season on loan at Nottingham Forest from his parent club Arsenal, but the experience proved unsuccessful, leading to the termination of the loan in January. He then moved to the Netherlands hoping to secure more playing time and rediscover his previous form.

Unfortunately, Zinchenko's time at Ajax was cut short, as he only managed two appearances, failing to score or assist in either match, before an injury prematurely ended his Dutch spell. This injury raises serious questions about his future with his parent club, Arsenal, especially since loan spells are often an opportunity for players to prove themselves and increase their market value – something that Zinchenko failed to achieve this season due to adverse circumstances.

It's worth noting that Zinchenko has a distinguished career in European football, having previously shone for Manchester City, winning numerous domestic titles in England before his move to Arsenal. His transfer to Ajax was seen as a golden opportunity to add international and professional experience to the young Dutch team, but the specter of injuries that plagues footballers had other plans, depriving Ajax of a key tactical asset at a crucial stage of the season.

The eyes of the football world are on the Spanish capital, Madrid, as recent media reports reveal serious moves by Real Madrid's management to secure a major signing in the upcoming transfer window. The Royal Club has placed Hungarian star Dominik Szoboszlai, the Liverpool midfielder, at the top of its priority list to bolster the squad, in a move aimed at restructuring its midfield and ensuring its continued European dominance.

Details of the exciting royal show

According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid have not only expressed interest but have already contacted Liverpool with an ambitious offer. The proposed plan includes a controversial swap deal that would see young French star Eduardo Camavinga move to Anfield, along with €30 million, in exchange for the services of Szoboszlai. This offer comes as Los Blancos look to leverage all their resources to persuade the English club to part with one of their key players.

The post-Kroos and Modric era

These moves come as Real Madrid continues its efforts to fill the significant void left by the retirement of German star Toni Kroos and the imminent departure of Croatian legend Luka Modric. Florentino Perez's administration understands that maintaining the dynamism of the midfield requires injecting fresh blood with high skill and physical attributes, qualities the club's scouts see as perfectly embodied in the Hungarian national team captain, who excels in playmaking, long-range shooting, and linking the lines.

Camavinga: A phenomenal talent hampered by injuries

On the other hand, the inclusion of Eduardo Camavinga's name in the deal raises numerous questions about the French player's future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite Camavinga's considerable talent and versatility, the report suggests that his recent inconsistency and frequent injuries may have prompted the club's management to consider using him as a bargaining chip to secure another strategic target, especially given Liverpool's long-standing interest in acquiring the Frenchman to bolster their midfield.

Real Madrid's ambitions for Liverpool's stars are endless

Real Madrid's interest in Liverpool stars doesn't seem to be limited to Szoboszlai; the report also indicates broader plans, including monitoring right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold with a potential move in the summer of 2025, as well as closely tracking defender Ibrahima Konaté and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. These moves suggest a clear Madrid strategy to attract top talent from the English Premier League.

The player's wishes and Marco Rossi's statements

What strengthens the likelihood of this deal going through is the psychological factor and the player's own desire. Speculation intensified after statements made by Marco Rossi, the Hungarian national team coach, who previously confirmed that Szoboszlai dreams of wearing the Real Madrid jersey. This desire could be an additional bargaining chip for Real Madrid should they decide to enter into formal and intensive negotiations with Liverpool's management in the coming period.