Explore Al Ittihad’s thrilling Saudi Pro League title challenge with tactical insights, star performances, and key turning points that shaped their 2024/2025 season.
Al Ittihad’s Title Challenge: Season Highlights and Turning Points
The 2024/2025 Saudi Pro League season has been one of the most competitive in recent years, and at the heart of the drama lies Al Ittihad. A club rich in history and tradition, Al Ittihad mounted a formidable title challenge filled with unforgettable moments, tactical brilliance, and standout individual performances. As one of the most passionately supported clubs in the region, their journey this season has captivated Dis88 not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the globe.
This article provides a deep dive into Al Ittihad’s title-chasing campaign, examining match highlights, tactical shifts, player impact, and what the future may hold for the club.
A New Era Begins: Al Ittihad’s Pre-Season Ambitions
After securing the league title in the 2022/2023 season, expectations were high for Al Ittihad. The club entered the 2024/2025 campaign under immense pressure to reclaim domestic dominance and perform better in the AFC Champions League.
Major Pre-Season Moves
- Karim Benzema stayed as the team’s talisman despite rumors of a move
- Fabinho, N’Golo Kanté, and Romarinho formed a solid spine
- Key signings in defense added depth and youth to a veteran squad
- The board backed the manager, providing funds and full support
From the outset, Al Ittihad made it clear—they weren’t just participating; they were competing to win.
Tactical Identity Under Nuno Espírito Santo
Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo maintained a flexible tactical approach, usually starting in a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 formation depending on the opponent. This allowed Al Ittihad to adapt and control games in multiple phases.
Core Tactical Elements
- Double pivot midfield with Fabinho and Kanté shielding the backline
- Wide play through dynamic wingbacks in the 3-5-2 setup
- Benzema’s false-nine role, linking midfield to attack
- Quick transitions and well-coordinated pressing
This tactical versatility allowed them to thrive both at home and away, especially in high-stakes matches.
Season Highlights: Matches That Defined the Campaign
Throughout the 2024/2025 season, Al Ittihad played several high-profile and intense matches that kept them in the title hunt.
Matchday 5: Victory Over Al Hilal
One of the early season statements came with a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Hilal, their fiercest rivals. Benzema’s double and a last-minute winner by Romarinho showcased their fighting spirit.
Matchday 12: Tactical Masterclass Against Al Nassr
In a showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Ittihad executed a perfect tactical plan to secure a 2-0 clean-sheet win. Kanté’s midfield dominance was pivotal, as the team cut off supply lines to Ronaldo and exploited defensive gaps.
Matchday 20: Last-Minute Heroics Against Al Taawoun
When trailing 1-0 in a crucial away match, Al Ittihad turned the game around with two goals in the final five minutes, showing resilience that title-winning teams often possess.
These key results helped Al Ittihad stay within touching distance of the top spot throughout the campaign.
Star Players: Who Made the Difference?
Karim Benzema – The Maestro
Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Benzema led by example. With over 20 goals and numerous assists, his combination of intelligence, strength, and technique proved essential.
N’Golo Kanté – The Engine
Kanté was the midfield general, covering ground, intercepting attacks, and allowing others to shine. His partnership with Fabinho gave Al Ittihad a rock-solid foundation.
Romarinho – The Game-Changer
Romarinho’s flair and creativity often made the difference in tight matches. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he remained a consistent threat in the final third.
Marcelo Grohe – The Wall
The Brazilian goalkeeper produced several key saves throughout the season, maintaining Al Ittihad’s reputation as one of the best defensive units in the league.
Challenges Along the Way
No title challenge is without its hurdles, and Al Ittihad faced their share of adversity.
Injury Problems
- Benzema and Grohe missed crucial matches due to short-term injuries
- Squad depth was tested during AFC Champions League fixtures
Fixture Congestion
Balancing domestic and continental competitions proved difficult, especially in February and March when games came thick and fast.
Pressure from Rivals
With Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Ahli also strengthening, the margin for error was razor-thin. Any dropped points were immediately punished.
Despite these challenges, Al Ittihad remained focused and competitive throughout the season.
Fan Support: The Twelfth Man
Al Ittihad boasts some of the most passionate supporters in the Middle East. Their tifo displays, chants, and unwavering loyalty played a huge part in the team’s motivation.
Home Fortress: King Abdullah Sports City
- Unbeaten in over 80% of home matches
- Average attendance exceeded 40,000 fans per game
- Fans created an electric atmosphere that unsettled visiting teams
In many ways, the fans were as crucial as any player on the pitch.
AFC Champions League Campaign
While chasing domestic glory, Al Ittihad also made a strong run in the AFC Champions League, reaching the knockout rounds with confidence. Although they fell short of lifting the trophy, their performances earned international respect.
- Topped their group in style
- Eliminated a tough Iranian side in the Round of 16
- Fell narrowly to Urawa Red Diamonds in the quarter-finals
This continental journey helped raise the profile of Saudi football and added valuable experience to the squad.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
Whether or not Al Ittihad finishes the season as champions, they’ve made it clear that they are building a sustainable project.
Key Priorities
- Reinforce the defense with younger talent
- Improve squad depth to cope with dual competitions
- Continue integrating Saudi youth players into the first team
- Push harder for continental glory in future seasons
The club’s ambition, resources, and fan base suggest that Al Ittihad will remain a top contender for years to come.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
Al Ittihad’s 2024/2025 season will be remembered as one filled with fierce competition, tactical evolution, and star-studded brilliance. From dramatic comebacks to derby-day glory, the club once again reminded the world why they are one of Asia’s most prestigious and powerful football institutions.
Their journey represents not just a title challenge, but a resurgence of Saudi football on the global stage—with Al Ittihad proudly leading the charge.
Support the Growth of Football
Al Ittihad’s incredible journey is a testament to the beauty of the game we all love. Whether you’re cheering from Jeddah or Jakarta, your passion fuels the excitement.
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