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.

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.

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.