Al-Ittihad FC vs Al-Fayha Result
Pro League · Saudi-Arabia
Al-Ittihad FC
Full Time
Al-Fayha
📍 King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
🗓️ Friday, 13 Feb 2026 at 17:30
Late En Nesyri Strike Lifts Al-Ittihad Past Resilient Al-Fayha
Al-Ittihad FC edged past Al-Fayha 2-1 at the King Abdullah Sports City, thanks to a dramatic late winner from Youssef En Nesyri. The hosts dominated possession and created the lion's share of chances, but Al-Fayha fought back bravely after falling behind, setting up a tense finale. Al-Ittihad took the lead in the 35th minute, only for Al-Fayha to level the score ten minutes after the break. However, En Nesyri's decisive goal in the 83rd minute sealed all three points for the home side. The match was a tactical battle between two sides lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Al-Ittihad's control of the ball (63% possession) and greater attacking intent (15 shots, 4 on target) ultimately paid off, but Al-Fayha's disciplined defending and quick transitions kept the contest alive until the final whistle. Despite a spirited display, Al-Fayha's resistance was finally broken late on, leaving them with nothing to show for their efforts.
Al-Ittihad FC
Al-Ittihad FC asserted their authority from the outset, controlling the tempo and dictating play with slick passing and movement. Their 63% possession and seven corners reflected a proactive approach, while their midfield pairing of Fabinho and M. Doumbia provided a solid platform for the creative trio behind En Nesyri. Although they struggled to convert dominance into goals for much of the match, their persistence was rewarded with a late winner. Defensively, Al-Ittihad remained organized, conceding only three shots on target. The backline, marshaled by D. Pereira and A. Sharahili, dealt well with Al-Fayha's sporadic counter-attacks. The team's ability to respond after conceding an equalizer showed both character and tactical flexibility.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Al-Fayha
Al-Fayha approached the match with a compact defensive structure, ceding possession but remaining dangerous on the break. Their 37% possession belied a disciplined performance, as they limited Al-Ittihad to just four shots on target from 15 attempts. The central defensive pairing of C. Smalling and M. Villanueva stood firm for long spells, while Alfa Semedo and R. Kaabi provided cover in midfield. After conceding first, Al-Fayha responded admirably, equalizing in the 55th minute and threatening to snatch a point. However, their lack of attacking threat—just one corner and three shots on target—ultimately left them vulnerable, and they were undone by a late lapse in concentration.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Moments
35' — Goal
Al-Ittihad open the scoring after sustained pressure.
55' — Goal
Al-Fayha equalize, capitalizing on a rare attacking move.
83' — Goal
Y. En Nesyri restores Al-Ittihad's lead with a clinical finish.
Various' — Yellow Cards
Al-Fayha pick up two bookings as they battle to contain Al-Ittihad.
Tactical Analysis
Both teams deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Al-Ittihad's more adventurous full-backs and fluid midfield rotations allowed them to dominate possession and territory. Their wide play and frequent corners put Al-Fayha under sustained pressure, while the double pivot of Fabinho and Doumbia provided balance. Al-Fayha, meanwhile, set up to absorb pressure and hit on the break, relying on the pace of Sakala and the hold-up play of Jason Remeseiro. Their defensive line remained deep, and midfielders dropped back to congest central areas, limiting Al-Ittihad's space between the lines. Substitutions for both sides reflected tactical adjustments: Al-Ittihad sought fresh legs to maintain intensity, while Al-Fayha introduced reinforcements to bolster defense and chase an equalizer. Ultimately, Al-Ittihad's patience and width proved decisive against Al-Fayha's compact block.
Turning Point
Youssef En Nesyri's 83rd-minute goal, which broke the deadlock and sealed the win for Al-Ittihad.
Man of the Match
Y. En Nesyri
Scored the crucial late winner and led the line with determination throughout.