Al-Ahli Saudi FC is preparing for a crucial and challenging match when they travel to face Al-Wahda of the UAE this Monday evening at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This encounter is part of the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage, the newest and most prestigious club competition in Asia, where Al-Ahli aims to solidify its continental dominance and compete for the title.
Absences impose a new tactical reality
Health issues and injuries have forced German coach Matthias Jäsle to make significant changes to his starting lineup. The absence of Turkish defensive stalwart Merih Demiral is confirmed, as he has not yet fully recovered from a previous muscle injury that sidelined him for important domestic and continental matches. To compensate for this significant absence in the back line, Jäsle has decided to rely on young defender Rayan Hamed, giving the player a golden opportunity to prove his abilities in big matches.
The absences weren't limited to the back line; the team's potent attack was also affected, with Al Ahli missing the services of Brazilian winger Galinho Wenderson. Galinho's exclusion came after he sustained a minor injury before the trip, preventing him from traveling with the squad to the UAE. In a tactical move to compensate for the shortage on the flanks, the coaching staff selected Saleh Abu Shamat to fill the right wing position, adding a different tactical flexibility to the team's style of play.
A bet on youth and the future
Given these absences, Jysle resorted to a strategy of injecting fresh blood, calling up young Brazilian striker Ricardo Matias, who recently joined the reserve team during the winter transfer window. This call-up aims to bolster the attacking options on the bench, reflecting the club's philosophy of utilizing young talent and gradually integrating them into the first team, especially in matches that require unconventional solutions.
The context of the tournament and the importance of the match
This match takes on special importance despite Al Ahly having already secured qualification for the Round of 16. Al Ahly currently sits third in its group with 13 points, accumulated from four wins, one draw, and one loss. A victory in this match would not only secure three points but also improve the team's ranking before the knockout stage draw and boost player morale.
This encounter comes amidst the historically exciting rivalry between Saudi and Emirati clubs, a rivalry always characterized by fierce competition and passionate fan support. Furthermore, the tournament's new "elite" format sets high standards for competition, making every match akin to an early final, and presenting Al-Ahli with an opportunity to send a strong message to its continental rivals that it is a serious contender for the title, even without its star players.
The team concluded its field preparations yesterday, Sunday, at the match stadium, amidst a high focus from the technical staff on tactical aspects and how to exploit spaces, to ensure a positive result befitting the name and status of Al-Ahly Club continentally.
