Drama in Baghdad: Al Ittihad's Epic Comeback ⚽️🔥
Monday in Baghdad was lit as Saudi Pro League champs Al Ittihad roared back from a 1-0 deficit to beat Iraq Stars League side Al Shorta 4-1 — their first win in the AFC Champions League Elite this season.
It started rough for the visitors. Just 5 minutes in, Mehdi Ashabi swung in a corner and Bassam Shakir headed home for the home side. But Al Ittihad answered lightning-fast:
- 17' Mahamadou Doumbia seized the ball near the box and found Moussa Diaby, whose header leveled the score.
- 29' Free kick magic! Fabinho unleashed a stunning shot into the bottom corner, making it 2-1.
Even a red card couldn’t slow them down. After Danilo Pereira’s early second-half send-off, Al Ittihad kept the gas on:
- 60' Diaby sliced through the defense, teeing up Houssem Aouar to fire home.
- 76' Another slick Diaby–Aouar link-up sealed the 4-1 win with a swift break.
With this result, Al Ittihad sits 7th in the West Region standings. Meanwhile, back in Saudi Arabia, Al Ahli cruised to a 4-0 win over Qatar’s Al Gharafa: Enzo Millot kicked things off in the 32nd minute, Franck Kessie netted a quick brace, and Saleh Abu Al-Shamat capped it off. Al Ahli remain top of the West Region with 7 points. 🎉
Reference(s):
Al Ittihad beat Al Shorta for first win in AFC Champions League Elite
cgtn.com
