Gwangju focused on Al-Hilal's Saudi contingent in Champions League clash
JEDDAH: Al-Hilal's foreign players have made the Saudi team one of the favorites to lift the Asian Champions League Elite title but Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo has his sights set on the club's domestic contingent ahead of the quarter-finals on Friday.
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Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia beat Bahrain to stay in World Cup qualification hunt
Saudi Gazette report RIFFA — Saudi Arabia kept their hopes of automatic qualification alive with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 on Thursday. The result lifted Herve Renard's side to 13 points, setting up a decisive showdown with group leaders Australia next Tuesday. The Saudis must win that match by at least four goals to overtake the Socceroos on goal difference and secure second place. The Green Falcons asserted themselves early at Bahrain National Stadium. A long-range pass from Hassan Al Tambakti found Ali Majrashi in space, but the fullback's second touch allowed Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla to close down quickly. Saudi Arabia found their breakthrough in the 16th minute. Captain Salem Al Dawsari delivered a pinpoint first-time cross to the far post, where Musab Al Juwayr — recently named Saudi Pro League Young Player of the Season — calmly sidefooted the ball home. Bahrain responded with long-range efforts from Komail Al Aswad and Mohamed Marhoon, but neither troubled Saudi keeper Nawaf Al Aqidi. Al Dawsari had a chance to double the lead in the 40th minute after a clever through-ball from Aiman Yahya, but his chipped finish drifted just over the bar. After the break, Saudi Arabia pressed for a second. Feras Albrikan had the ball in the net just before the hour mark, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the buildup. Bahrain nearly equalized in the 68th minute, but Marhoon's strike off a low cross from Ebrahim Alkhatal struck the post. Five minutes later, Al Aqidi produced a double save to deny Vincent Emmanuel and Mahdi Abduljabbar in quick succession. With Bahrain pushing forward in search of a goal, Saudi Arabia capitalized. In the closing minutes, Majrashi played a through ball to substitute Abduralrahman Alobud, who finished clinically to seal the 2-0 win. Saudi Arabia now face a high-stakes final group match against Australia, where only a convincing +5 goals win will send them directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Leaders
Inzaghi named Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal coach after Inter Milan exit
Simone Inzaghi was appointed head coach of Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, a day after leaving Inter Milan and less than two weeks before the club's opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 49-year-old Italian signed a two-year contract reportedly worth more than 20 million euros ($23 million) per season. 'The Italian genius is here,' Al-Hilal said in a post on social media. Inzaghi's move comes days after Inter were thrashed 5-0 by Paris St Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday — the heaviest defeat in a major European final in the competition's 70-year history. He led Inter to the Serie A title last season and was in charge when they lost the 2023 Champions League final to Manchester City. Inzaghi spent four years at the Milan club. Al-Hilal face Real Madrid in their Club World Cup opener on June 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Short link : Post Views: 13 Related Stories
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Preview: Saudi Arabia Clash with Bahrain in Pivotal World Cup Qualifier
Continuing their journey to the 2026 World Cup, Saudi Arabia resume their Asian qualifying campaign with a crucial match against Bahrain in Group C ninth round at the Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday. The Green Falcons must surpass second-placed Australia to secure a spot in next year's finals. With only two games left, the stakes are incredibly high for both teams. Bahrain, on the other hand, need points to finish within the top four. Saudi Arabia currently sit third in the group table, trailing Australia by three points. Australia occupy the second automatic World Cup spot, making this match pivotal. The team's recent inconsistency, with one win, three draws, and a defeat to Indonesia, has complicated their campaign. Recent Performances and Key Challenges Saudi Arabia's qualifying campaign has seen mixed results, yet they remain hopeful of securing direct qualification. They managed a goalless draw against group winners Japan in their last match, despite only one shot on target. Against their main rivals, Japan and Australia, Saudi Arabia held both to 0-0 draws, showcasing their defensive prowess. However, their poor away form continues to hinder progress, with just one win, two draws, and one defeat in four away games. At the Gulf Cup of Nations, Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals but were knocked out by Oman, ending their trophy hopes. They are now in a tight race for the second automatic spot with Australia, who lead by three points. Strategic Preparations and Team News Herve Renard's men, who will soon participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, must beat Bahrain to keep pressure on Australia. Saudi Arabia have rallied after a slow start, taking four points from games against China and Japan in March. They warmed up for this month's matches with a 2-0 friendly win over Jordan. However, they lost 3-2 to Bahrain in the Gulf Cup after a goalless draw in last year's reverse fixture. Bahrain, despite never reaching the World Cup, still have a chance to break new ground. They can move onto another stage of AFC qualifying in October if they finish third or fourth. Despite sitting fifth, Bahrain trail Indonesia by three points before hosting Saudi Arabia and visiting China as they cannot afford another loss. Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard has opted for a youthful squad, with Al-Hilal veteran Salem Al-Dawsari usually starting on the wing. Renard can call upon Ali Majrashi, who recovered from an adductor injury. Abdullah Mado has replaced Jehad Thakri, who sustained a hamstring injury. Muteb Al-Harbi and Mohammed Bakr have been training individually and may miss out, with an eye on next week's home clash with Australia. Dragan Talajic has kept faith with the experienced squad that secured Bahrain's Gulf Cup triumph. Top scorer Mohamed Marhoon is among the familiar faces set to start. Captain Kamil Al-Aswad, with 117 caps, should feature in central midfield, while Waleed Al Hayam helms the defense. Villarreal teenager Sayed Al-Wadaei has been called up but is likely bound for the bench. Possible Lineups and Historical Rivalry Bahrain: Lutfalla, Emmanuel, Benaddi, Al-Hayam, Al-Khalasi, Saeed, Al-Aswad, Madan, Marhoon, Al-Humaidan, and Abduljabbar. Saudi Arabia: Al-Aqidi, Abdulhamid, Lajami, Al-Tambakti, Boushal, Yahya, Al-Ghamdi, N. Al-Dawsari, S. Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, and Al-Sahafi. Thursday's game marks the 40th meeting between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with the Green Falcons boast a significant advantage as they claimed 19 victories, compared to Bahrain's 8 wins, while 12 games ended in draws. Their earlier qualification encounter in the World Cup qualification back in October 2024 ended in a stalemate. However, Bahrain are undefeated in their last three games in this fixture and have lost just one of their last six. Saudi Arabia, the lowest-scoring side in Group C with four goals, are undefeated in their last three games. They head into the clash on a high, being the stronger side. Bahrain, however, are on a run of back-to-back defeats and are winless in their last seven qualifying games. They have the worst home record in Group C, with just two points from four games, and could struggle in this match. Short link : Post Views: 2
