Ittihad seek first Asian win against Neftchi Uzbekistan

The federation has a positive record against Uzbek clubs, having played 23 Asian matches against them, achieving 14 victories, drawing seven times, and losing twice, scoring 39 goals while conceding 17.

The Saudi team occupies 11th place with two points, having drawn with Al-Shamal in the first round and then falling to Shabab Al-Ahli, while Neftchi sits in 7th place with three points.

The Uzbek team has gathered its points from a victory over Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, before losing to Al-Nassr in the last round, which makes them eager to exploit playing at home and in front of their fans to compensate for their setback.

Ittihad are approaching the match after two consecutive victories in the league, hoping to maintain their positive results at the continental level, benefiting from the readiness of their players and their desire to make up for what they missed during the first two rounds.

In contrast, Neftchi aims to secure three points to strengthen its position in the Western Group standings and advance towards the qualifying spots, taking advantage of the home ground and the support of the fans in the match against Al-Ittihad.

The Union heads to Uzbekistan to face Neftchi on Monday at the Independence Stadium, in the third round of the Western Group of the AFC Champions League Elite, searching for their first win and revitalizing their chances of qualification.