Al Wahda and Al Ittihad Clash in AFC Champions League Elite Opener at Al Nahyan Stadium

On Monday, September 15, 2025, Al Wahda FC from the UAE faced off against Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad Club in the highly anticipated AFC Champions League Elite West Region match held at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

This fixture marks the first matchday of a long and competitive tournament stretching through to May 2026, featuring 125 fixtures, with this game setting the tone for both clubs.

Al Wahda currently ranks third in their group, while Al Ittihad holds sixth position. The matchup between these rivals, with a historical head-to-head record balanced at one win each and two draws, promised an intense battle. Al Wahda came into the match with a full squad available, whereas Al Ittihad was notably without striker Karim Benzema due to injury.

Al Ittihad lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic; defenders Muhannad Shanqeeti, Saad Al-Mousa, Danilo Pereira, and Mario Mitaj; midfielders Faisel Al-Ghamdi, Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, and Steven Bergwijn; and striker Saleh Al-Shehri. Both teams aimed to leverage their strengths to secure crucial three points early in the competition.

The match was tracked in real time via various platforms such as Sofascore and FotMob, offering live stats including ball possession, shots on target, chances created, and player ratings, enhancing fan engagement during the game.

With this opener, fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing how Al Wahda and Al Ittihad will navigate the rigorous demands of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Elite season, as each seeks continental glory.