In an exciting matchup on September 20, 2025, Al-Ittihad will take on Al-Shorta at Al-Madina Stadium as both teams look to secure their first victories in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite. Al-Ittihad is eager to overcome a challenging start with two consecutive losses, while Al-Shorta has faced difficulties as well, with a draw and a loss in their opening matches.
Al-Shorta enters this clash following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Al-Gharafa. Despite this setback in the AFC Champions League, the team has been performing well in their domestic league, winning all three of their matches so far. They are now on the hunt for their initial win in the continental competition. Coach Momen Soliman is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring players such as Leonel Ataba and Bassam Shakir to lead their attack.
On the other side, Al-Ittihad is under new management after the appointment of Sergio Conceicao, who aims to restore the team’s competitive edge following Laurent Blanc’s departure. The Yellow Tigers have struggled recently, including a tough 1-1 draw against Al-Feiha in their last league outing and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the tournament. With a history of excellence, Al-Ittihad’s players, particularly the seasoned Karim Benzema, who has already netted three goals this season, are hungry for a much-needed victory.
The battle between these two teams promises to be an intriguing one, with both looking to turn their fortunes around. Football enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling encounter as both Al-Ittihad and Al-Shorta strive for redemption in the prestigious AFC Champions League.