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Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad experienced their initial setback in this season's Asian Champions League as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Air Force Club in Iraq on Monday, intensifying the pressure on their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo.
Al Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Arabian champions, entered the match in Erbil with an unblemished record in Group C, having secured a 1-0 victory against Air Force Club in Jeddah on Matchday 3 last month. However, the encounter at the Franso Hariri Stadium witnessed goals from Ali Jasim and Mohannad Abdulraheem, narrowing the gap between the two teams to just two points after four matches.
Despite their impressive performance in Asia, Al Ittihad has faced difficulties in the Saudi Pro League, going winless in five matches and sliding to sixth place after 12 rounds. This decline has spurred speculation that manager Espirito Santo may be departing from the club.
Last season, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur manager led Al Ittihad to their first Saudi league title in 14 years.
In the early kickoff on Monday's Asian Champions League schedule, the Air Force Club versus Al Ittihad showdown showcased the intensity of competition in the tournament. The group stage, featuring a home-and-away format for the first time since early 2020, will continue until mid-December. The top ten group winners and the six best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout rounds commencing in February, with the final, played across two legs, scheduled for May.
