Al-Ittihad crushes Al-Gharafa 7-0... Conceição: The fans were the secret to victory
Al-Ittihad's first football team achieved a resounding and historic 7-0 victory over Qatar's Al-Gharafa at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, in the seventh round of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League. This emphatic win was more than just three points; it was a powerful message from Al-Ittihad to all their rivals in Asia.
Conceição: Attacking efficiency and the crowd made the difference
In the post-match press conference, Al-Ittihad's Portuguese coach, Sergio Conceição, expressed his immense satisfaction with both the performance and the result. Conceição explained that the team had suffered in previous matches from a lack of finishing despite frequently reaching the opponents' goal. However, the Al-Gharafa match witnessed a radical transformation, with the players successfully capitalizing on their opportunities and converting them into a flurry of goals. He emphasized that the pre-prepared plan was executed flawlessly on the pitch.
The Portuguese coach did not fail to praise the pivotal role of Al-Ittihad fans, describing the support they provided as giving the players a different feeling and tremendous energy, hoping that this popular surge would continue in the upcoming rounds to ensure progress towards the title.
Awar: The winning mentality led us to this performance
For his part, Algerian star Houssem Aouar, who was named Man of the Match, affirmed that the result was well-deserved and reflected the team's ambitious mentality. Aouar pointed out that the early goal helped unlock Al Gharafa's defense and facilitated the flow of the game. He praised the magical atmosphere created by the "Tigers" fans in the stands, considering this victory a new and different beginning for the team in the continental championship.
Qatari apology and a resounding Al-Ittihad victory
In contrast, Al Gharafa's coach, Pedro Martinez, appeared remarkably realistic, acknowledging Al Ittihad's overwhelming superiority. Martinez apologized to the Qatari fans and his club's staff, emphasizing that Al Ittihad's strength was undeniable and left no room for competition, adding that the heavy defeat required no further explanation or justification.
The Dean and a history of Asian glory
This victory brings back memories of Al-Ittihad's historical prestige in Asian competitions. The team, nicknamed "The Club of the World" and "The King of Asia," boasts a golden legacy in this tournament, having previously won the title twice consecutively in 2004 and 2005 – an unprecedented achievement at the time. This new edition of the "Elite" tournament presents Al-Ittihad with an ideal opportunity to reclaim its continental glory, especially given the significant support and high-caliber signings the team has made.
The importance of winning and its regional impact
The significance of this 7-0 victory extends beyond the three points; it provides a tremendous morale boost for the players and coaching staff as they enter the crucial knockout stages. This formidable attacking performance also positions Al-Ittihad as a leading contender for the title, increasing the pressure on their direct rivals in both the West and East zones, and reaffirming the continued dominance and significant development of Saudi Arabian football at the club level in Asia.
