KSAsportz report
ABU DHABI — In a thrilling encounter at Al Nahyan Stadium, Lucas Pimenta delivered a last-gasp winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for Al Wahda over 10-man Al Ittihad in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 opener on Monday. This result not only highlights Al Wahda’s tactical prowess but also underscores their resilience, as they overcame a first-half deficit.
Al Ittihad startled the hosts by taking an early lead in the 21st minute. Steven Bergwijn unleashed a stunning 30-yard drive, finding the back of the net after receiving an assist from Fabinho. This goal came against the run of play, with Al Wahda dominating possession with 65% in the first half.
The visitors’ bid for a strong showing was severely hampered when Muhannad Al Shanqiti received a red card following a VAR review for a foul on Facundo Kruspzky in the 37th minute, reducing Al Ittihad to 10 men.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Al Wahda equalized in the 62nd minute when Caio Canedo deftly converted a pass from Omar Khrbin, rolling the ball past goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic from close range. Al Wahda continued to threaten, with Khrbin narrowly missing with a header and later hitting the woodwork deep into stoppage time.
As the match appeared set to end in a draw, a dramatic turn of events unfolded when Rajkovic parried away a header from Ala Zhir. Pimenta was quick to react, slotting home the rebound and igniting jubilant celebrations among Al Wahda fans. The victory leaves Al Wahda in a strong position in Group A, while Al Ittihad will reflect on missed opportunities and the impact of their late-game collapse.
According to statistics, Al Wahda outshot Al Ittihad 18 to 8, with 10 of those shots on target, exemplifying their attacking intent and persistence throughout the match.