Al-Ittihad’s German head coach Jens Wissing reinstates Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar for their AFC Champions League opener, while leaving Youssef En‑Nesyri as the lone striker. This tactical shift marks a significant change in the club’s attacking approach.

  • Aouar is back in the starting XI.
  • En‑Nesyri is the sole forward after dropping George Ilenikhena.
  • Al‑Ittihad aims to break a 21‑year title drought in the AFC Champions League.

Al‑Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian powerhouse, unveiled its lineup for the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite against Qatari side Al‑Shamal on 14 September. The squad saw the return of key midfielder Houssem Aouar, who had sat out the last Roshn League match against Al‑Faisaly.

Historical Background

Al‑Ittihad won consecutive AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005, but has struggled to replicate that success in recent years. The club exited the previous season’s tournament in the quarter‑finals, losing to Japan’s Machida Zelvia, who later reached the final before falling to Al‑Ahli.

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The midfield trio of Dion Lopy (Senegal), Richard Rios (Colombia), and Aouar will provide the engine room, while Steven Bergwijn (Netherlands) and Ahmed Al‑Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia) flank the field. On the front line, En‑Nesyri will lead the attack alone, a decision that surprised many fans.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Aouar’s creative output combined with En‑Nesyri’s pace and finishing will give Al‑Ittihad a renewed edge in the competition. The move signals a strategic shift aimed at reclaiming continental glory.

"Aouar’s creativity paired with En‑Nesyri’s goal‑scoring prowess could propel Al‑Ittihad back to the top of the AFC Champions League," notes football analyst Dr. Mohammed Al‑Hussaini.
Did You Know?: Al‑Ittihad has not reached the AFC Champions League final since their 2005 triumph, despite being a dominant force in domestic football.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Was Aouar’s return purely based on form?

A1: Yes, the coach cited Aouar’s recent performances and creative influence as key reasons for his inclusion.

Q2: Why is En‑Nesyri the only striker?

A2: The coach believes En‑Nesyri’s speed and accuracy in the box will be maximized when he operates without a partner.