Saudi teams ended the first leg of the quarterfinals with not very impressive results. Al-Ittifaq in the Asian Federation Cup got the best result so far. They beat Areema in Indonesia 2-0 and made the second leg easier for them in Dammam. I wonder though why they terminated their contract with their coach and brought a new one. I think it’s not wise to do so especially at this time, but maybe they know better.
As for the other three competing in the Asian Champions League, Al-Ittihad with a better edge than the other two, played the first leg in its hometown and managed to beat Guangzhou Evergrande 4-2. To me, the result should raise alarm bells for Ittihad, because the fact that Guangzhou scored two away goals could mean that they can do much better at home. Ittihad should work on making their defense line stronger, otherwise be prepared to suffer the consequences.
Al-Ahli, on the other hand, came back from Iran with a 0-0 draw which worked better for them, but any goal from Sepahan will be difficult and could likely end their Asian dream. Ahli is on a critical status right now. They need to give it their all to make the second leg in Jeddah work in their favor. A 1-1, or more, draw will put them out by virtue of the away-goals rule. This means an aggressive offense strategy is what they badly need. I believe, with the players they have, this can be done. As for Al-Hilal, which only just confirmed my fears last week, came back from Korea with a 1-0 defeat. Now, how can we be convinced that they can win here if they lost the chance in Korea against a less powerful team? Ulsan was an easy team but no team would be easy if the other opposing team is not prepared.
The way the coach played the game was a wrong approach in my opinion too. He did try to change the game plan but it was already to late. It could have worked in the beginning of the second half instead of waiting for the the last 15 minutes. I think the midfielders he chose disappointed him as well. And so, disappointing their supporters too.
Nevertheless, let me end this week’s column by congratulating Fateh for winning their first match outside Saudi Arabia against Jahra from Kuwait in the Arab Champions Cup. They made us all proud.
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