Saudi Arabia’s leading sides return to domestic duty after varied lessons were gleaned from their 2019 AFC Champions League bows.
Relegation candidates Al Ittihad went native and triumphed, with Al Ahli Jeddah and Saudi Professional League leaders Al Hilal also prevailing. In contrast, Al Nassr left themselves open to questionable officiating with a limp performance.
Here are the talking points ahead of round 23:
ITTIHAD’S HOMEGROWN SOLUTION
A rare highlight amid an appalling 2018/19 came on Monday when Ittihad roared back from 1-0 down against Qatar’s Al Rayyan and prevailed 5-1.
This resounding victory – their first in a month and first in two matches under returning saviour Jose Luis Sierra – provided a morale lift for Friday’s vital meeting with fellow drop-zone members Al Fayha. Its lasting legacy, however, should be a roadmap towards survival in the face of a shameful opening demotion of their 92-year history.
The Chilean supremo exhibited a radical reaction to the cutting in half of his foreign selection for continental duty, from eight to four. Only Brazilian forward Romarinho started, plus just Chile playmaker Carlos Villanueva and Australia centre-back Matthew Jurman would emerge from the bench.
Rare starts for forward Abdulrahman Al Aryani (one in 2018/19 SPL) and winger Abdulrahman Al Ghamdi (eight in 2018/19 SPL) were rewarded with strikes. Two-goal Saudi Arabia forward Fahad Al Muwallad also exhibited greater chemistry with his countrymen, than misfiring foreigners such as Garry Rodrigues and Aleksandar Prijovic.
Sierra should not be scared to ignore his club’s transfer flops. It could salvage their season.
Coach Luis Sierra’s press conference after tonight’s match against Alrayyan pic.twitter.com/avvpYpJDho
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) March 4, 2019
FORZA GIOVINCO
Anticipation surrounds holders Hilal’s glamour winter addition.
Sebastian Giovinco arrived in the Kingdom injured from Toronto FC and has been gradually introduced into a winning system. A double in last weekend’s 2-1 victory against Al Faisaly was followed by a refined 83 minutes in the 1-0 continental triumph at Al Ain.
The Italy playmaker’s integration should continue apace at sixth-placed Al Wehda on Friday. His twinning with influential Brazil centre midfielder Carlos Eduardo is a tactical problem for boss Zoran Mamic to solve, as both prosper behind the striker.
If a successful partnership is forged, Hilal should not only be unstoppable in Saudi.
NASSR’S WAKE-UP CALL
Everything was going so well for Rui Vitoria at Nassr.
Then a ridiculous penalty and 1-0 loss at Al Wasl in the ACL was recorded. The Riyadh giants dominated possession (66/34 per cent), but a narrow edge in attempts on target (three/two) shows how anaemic their display was in Dubai.
Their ex-Benfica supremo must hope this reversal – only a second in nine matches in charge – provides a jolt to the system ahead of Friday’s visit of sinking Ettifaq.
Pictures of #ALNASSR training session on Tuesday March 5th, 2019.
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 5, 2019
2/2 pic.twitter.com/jj7bIcEBcj
