Al-Ittihad’s Struggles and the Brilliant Form of Abderrazak Hamdallah
Al-Ittihad’s hopes of defending their Saudi Pro League title have fizzled out, with a disappointing season that saw them fall from early table-toppers to fifth place, far behind leaders Al-Hilal. Their goal now is to narrow the gap on third-placed Al-Ahli to secure a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite competition.
The team, once known for its strong defense, now struggles in that department, a stark contrast to their previous season’s performance. Former title-winning coach Nuno Espirito Santo has been replaced by Marcelo Gallardo. Despite their overall struggles, Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah has been a shining light with 15 goals in 17 games this season.
Hamdallah’s impressive scoring record has endeared him to Al-Ittihad’s fans, particularly as questions arose around his future following the signing of Karim Benzema. The club initially planned to offload Hamdallah but reversed course due to fan backlash, a decision that has proven wise given the striker’s standout performances.
As Al-Ittihad faces a pivotal period with three matches against Al-Hilal, Hamdallah’s form will be crucial. His recent goalscoring streak and importance to the team highlight his value, especially as they aim to make an impact in the remaining competitions. Despite facing a formidable Al-Hilal side on a remarkable winning streak, Hamdallah’s determination to shine in upcoming clashes offers hope for better days ahead for Al-Ittihad.
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