Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição secured his first victory for Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, marking a significant turnaround after an initial league draw, while other Portuguese managers in the region experienced varied results.
Al Ittihad defeated Iraq’s Al Shorta 4-1 in Baghdad during the third matchday of the Asian Elite Champions League. The Saudi club overcame an early deficit to claim the win.
Goals for Al Ittihad came from Diaby in the 17th minute, Fabinho in the 29th, and Aouar who scored twice in the 60th and 76th minutes. Diaby also contributed two assists.
Despite the victory, Al Ittihad player Danilo Pereira was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the 11th and 50th minutes. Both Pereira and Roger started the match.
“These are the Tigers!” Roger posted on social media following the success. Danilo Pereira added, “Strong mentality, great reaction and a deserved triumph,” despite his red card.
Conceição acknowledged the team’s spirit, stating he must “always react enthusiastically to motivate the players.” He declined to comment on Danilo Pereira’s expulsion, emphasizing, “The most important thing is the victory. We were the better team for most of the game.”
The win moved Al Ittihad to seventh place in their Champions League group with three points. Conceição’s debut match for the team in the Saudi Pro League had ended in a 1-1 draw against Al Fayha.
Elsewhere, other Portuguese coaches had mixed fortunes. José Morais led UAE’s Al Wahda to a 3-1 victory over Qatar’s Al Duhail, which featured Marco Verratti, in Abu Dhabi. Al Wahda now sits in second place with seven points, matching current Asian champions Al Ahli.
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the reigning Asian titleholders, thrashed Qatar’s Al Gharafa 4-0. Franck Kessié scored twice for Al Ahli, with one goal assisted by Riyad Mahrez. Al Gharafa, coached by Pedro Martins, fell to eighth position, remaining on three points.