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.

In remarks that have captured the attention of the global sports community, veteran Portuguese coach José Mourinho put an end to the growing speculation about a possible return to manage Real Madrid. This came during the press conference preceding his current team, Benfica, facing the Spanish giants in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie.

A decisive stance on Perez's offer

The 63-year-old Mourinho confirmed his ability to reject any offer from his close friend and Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez. Despite acknowledging a "great friendship" and strong connection with the Madrid club, he emphasized his complete commitment to his current project with Benfica. The coach, nicknamed "The Special One," explained that the clause in his contract allowing him to leave was included for exceptional circumstances related to the Portuguese club's presidential elections scheduled for November 2025, and not as a backdoor for a return to Madrid.

Historical context and relationship with the Bernabéu

These statements take on particular significance given Mourinho's long history with Real Madrid, where he managed the team between 2010 and 2013. During that period, Mourinho built a formidable squad that broke Barcelona's domestic dominance and won the Spanish league title with a record number of points and goals. This vivid memory among Real Madrid fans is what makes rumors of his return resurface whenever the team faces any challenge, especially given the mutual respect between him and the fans who still chant his name.

Student and teacher confrontation

These comments come at a sensitive time, as Benfica prepares to host Real Madrid on Tuesday, ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match carries added significance, as Mourinho faces his former player Álvaro Arbeloa, who, according to the report, now manages Real Madrid. Benfica previously defeated Arbeloa's team 4-2 in the group stage, adding a layer of revenge to this encounter.

Mutual respect and expectations for the future

In a gesture reflecting his sportsmanship, Mourinho wished Arbeloa well, describing him as a coach with "the Madrid spirit" and the potential to lead the team for many years to come. Despite his clear desire to see Real Madrid eliminated from the continental competition, Mourinho didn't fail to praise the strength of the Spanish club, the record holder with 15 titles, affirming that Real Madrid remains the favorite to win the Champions League, regardless of the circumstances.

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, manager of Al-Hilal, has finalized his starting lineup for the crucial match against Al-Wahda of the UAE. This highly anticipated game is part of the eighth round of the AFC Champions League group stage and will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's home ground.

Al-Hilal's official lineup for the match against Al-Wahda

The squad selected by coach Inzaghi saw notable changes and rotations in several positions, and the official lineup for the Blue Wave was as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Rubaie.
• Defense line: Ali Lajami, Pablo Mari, Youssef Akchichik, Abdelkarim Drassi.
• Midfield: Ruben Neves, Murad Hawsawi, Mutaib Al-Harbi, Simon Boabrie.
• Attack line: Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Kader Meiti.

Rotation policy and excluding senior figures

In a calculated tactical move, Simone Inzaghi decided to leave out veteran Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, as well as Senegalese defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly, from the starting lineup for this match. This decision comes as part of the coaching staff's rotation policy, aimed at resting key players who have endured a marathon of consecutive matches, and giving substitutes and younger players the opportunity to prove their worth and participate in the continental competition, especially since the team boasts a strong bench capable of making a difference.

Qualification secured and peace of mind

Al-Hilal enters this match with calm nerves and high morale, having officially secured qualification for the next round of the AFC Champions League. This early qualification has given coach Inzaghi complete freedom to make these bold changes without fear of points calculations or qualification being affected, making the match an ideal opportunity to test new tactical plans and prepare all team members for the decisive knockout stages, which will require everyone to be ready.

The importance of the match despite qualification being secured

Despite already securing qualification, the match holds special significance for Al-Hilal and its fans. A victory at the Kingdom Arena is always essential to maintaining the team's continental prestige and boosting the club's Asian ranking. Furthermore, the participation of world-class stars like Darwin Núñez and Rúben Neves guarantees the fans a thrilling spectacle, underscoring Al-Hilal's desire to continue its winning streak and send a strong message to its rivals that the team is ready to compete for the continental title with its full complement of available players.