Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad secured a dramatic place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Finals Stage after edging Al Wahda 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
Backed by a passionate home crowd in Jeddah, Al Ittihad began brightly and almost found an early breakthrough in the 11th minute. A dangerous free-kick from Steven Bergwijn caused chaos inside the Al Wahda penalty area, with Stephane Keller seeing his volley deflected into the side netting.
Al Wahda responded swiftly on the counter, nearly capitalising on a defensive mishap when Hassan Kadish inadvertently redirected Ruben Canedo’s cross toward his own goal. Fortunately for the hosts, goalkeeper Predrag Rajković reacted quickly to avert the danger.
The match soon settled into a tactical battle with both teams struggling to carve out clear opportunities.
The visitors thought they had broken the deadlock early in the second half when Christian Benteke fired the ball into the net. However, the goal was ruled out after the striker was adjudged to have fouled Rajković during the buildup.
Al Wahda continued to threaten, with Facundo Kruspzky heading over from Dušan Tadić’s cross before the hour mark. At the same time, Al Ittihad came close through Danilo Pereira, whose late header drifted narrowly wide.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match moved into extra time. Al Ittihad pushed forward relentlessly, and Zayed Ahmed produced a crucial save in the 108th minute to deny Danilo’s powerful header from close range.
Just as the contest appeared destined for a penalty shootout, the decisive moment arrived in the final seconds of extra-time. Defender Saša Ivković fouled Abdulrahman Alobud inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Fabinho stepped up with composure and coolly converted the penalty, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The victory propels Al Ittihad into the last eight of Asia’s premier club competition, where they will face Machida Zelvia in what promises to be another high-stakes encounter.
Credit Photo : Al Ittihad
