The coaching staff of Al-Ittihad's first football team received a tremendous morale and tactical boost after the official confirmation that their outstanding right-back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, is fit to participate in the highly anticipated match against Qatari side Al-Gharafa. This confirmation came after the player participated fully and enthusiastically in the team's training session held on Sunday evening, demonstrating his complete readiness to represent "Al-Ittihad" in this continental competition.

A sense of unease had gripped Al-Jazira fans after Al-Shanqiti suffered an injury during the intense derby match against Al-Nassr in the previous round of the Saudi Professional League. The injury forced him to be substituted and unable to finish the game. However, the player's rapid recovery and physical readiness proved the success of his short rehabilitation program, making him a valuable asset for the coach ahead of the Asian competition.

Al-Ittihad Stadium is set to host this Gulf-Asian derby against Al-Gharafa at 9:15 PM next Tuesday, as part of the decisive seventh round of the group stage in the current edition of the AFC Champions League. This match is of paramount importance to both teams given the fierce competition for qualification to the knockout stages.

Al-Ittihad enters the match with its sights set on three points to solidify its position in the group standings. Before this game, the team sits in sixth place with nine points, a position it aims to improve to secure a more favorable draw in the upcoming rounds. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa of Qatar occupies ninth place with six points, making this a crucial six-pointer. A victory for Al-Gharafa could significantly alter the standings, while an Al-Ittihad win would bring them a major step closer to comfortable qualification.

This encounter carries dimensions that extend far beyond just three points, as Al-Ittihad, a club with a rich history and two consecutive Asian titles (2004 and 2005), seeks to reclaim its continental glory in the new edition of the "Elite" tournament. The return of key players like Muhannad Al-Shanqiti is crucial in maintaining the team's defensive balance and offensive support, especially in matches that demand high concentration and mental focus for the full ninety minutes against experienced opponents like the Qatari clubs.

Manchester City secured a dramatic and valuable 2-1 victory over their stubborn hosts Liverpool in a thrilling encounter on Sunday evening, as part of the 25th round of the Premier League. This match once again underscores the intense rivalry that characterizes matches between these two teams, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the final moments.

Match details and exciting scenario

The match was characterized by its competitiveness and tactical caution in the first half and for most of the second, as each team sought to impose its control in midfield. Liverpool managed to break the deadlock and take the lead with a goal after 74 minutes, scored by their star player Dominic Szoboszlai, leading everyone to believe that the three points were secured for the home side.

However, Manchester City, known for their fighting spirit and refusal to give up, fought back strongly. In the 84th minute, Portuguese star Bernardo Silva scored the equalizer, bringing the game back to square one and igniting the excitement in the remaining minutes.

Haaland decides the match and the refereeing drama

As the match drew to a close, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland appeared to snatch a dramatic winning goal in the 93rd minute from a penalty kick, expertly executed, giving his team a precious lead. The drama didn't end there, however, as the referee disallowed a third goal for Manchester City, scored by Rayan Cherki, after consulting VAR, leaving the score at 2-1.

The final moments were very tense, resulting in the red card being shown and Liverpool player and scorer of the only goal, Dominik Szoboszlai, being sent off in the (90+13) minute, leaving Liverpool to finish the final seconds with ten players.

The teams' positions in the standings and the impact of the result

With this strategic victory, Manchester City increased their points tally to 50, strengthening their hold on second place and continuing their fierce pursuit of league leaders Arsenal. The gap has narrowed to just six points, intensifying the title race in the upcoming rounds. This win sends a strong message from City that they will not relinquish the title race easily.

On the other hand, Liverpool's situation worsened as their points tally remained at 39, leaving them stuck in sixth place. This loss is a significant blow to the Reds' ambitions of climbing into the top four and competing for qualification to major European competitions, putting the coaching staff and players under immense pressure to get back on track in the upcoming matches.

This match embodies the highly competitive nature of football, where the course of events can change in a matter of minutes, and confirms that the struggle for the title and advanced positions will remain fierce until the very last moment of the competition.

German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, has ended the anticipation among fans regarding the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Al-Wahda of the UAE. The young coach has finalized the players who will compensate for the significant absences in the squad for this seventh round of the AFC Champions League, a tournament of paramount importance to the club's management and supporters this season.

In a move reflecting the coaching staff's confidence in young local talent, Yassla decided to rely on defender Rayan Hamed to fill the defensive gap left by the absence of Turkish star Merih Demiral. This decision comes at a crucial time, as Asian matches demand a high level of defensive solidity, especially against a team with a potent attack like Al Wahda of the UAE. On the attacking side, the German coach opted for Saleh Abu Shamat to occupy the right wing position, replacing Brazilian Galinho Wenderson, in an effort to maintain the dynamism and speed that characterize Al Ahli's attack.

These forced changes are due to health and physical issues affecting the team's stars. Brazilian winger Galinho Wenderson is confirmed to be out due to a recent injury that has prevented him from participating in team training, making his exclusion essential to ensure his full recovery. Meanwhile, defensive stalwart Merih Demiral is also unavailable as he is not yet fully fit and ready. The medical and coaching staff preferred not to risk him in this crucial match to guarantee his return at peak form for the upcoming decisive games.

Al-Ahli enters this continental clash with high morale, bolstered by its technical stability and recent positive results domestically. The team secured an important and well-deserved victory in its last appearance in the Roshan Professional League, defeating Al-Hazm 2-0 in the 21st round. This win not only earned the team three points but also provided a tremendous morale boost for the players before their trip to the Asian competition.

The match between Al-Ahli and Al-Wahda of the UAE holds immense strategic importance, not only for qualification in the AFC Champions League, but also because it represents a Gulf derby always characterized by its competitiveness and excitement. Saudi teams are striving to reaffirm their continental dominance in this new edition of the tournament, with Al-Ahli aiming for a deep run and a chance to compete for the title. Therefore, the selection of substitutes and the tactical management of the match by coach Yassla will be crucial factors in determining the team's trajectory in the competition.