Houssem Aouar makes decisive impact as Al-Ittihad progress in Asia

Houssem Aouar answered questions over his future by scoring in Al-Ittihad’s 3-0 win against Al Jazira in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Saudi Arabian side faced Al Jazira at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with victory securing progress from the qualifying tie and keeping Al-Ittihad on course for the league phase of the competition.

Al-Ittihad had already established a 2-0 lead when Aouar added a third in the 54th minute. The midfielder’s finish provided an immediate response to the speculation that had surrounded him during the recent period.

The goal came from a move started on the left. Full-back Fares Abdi delivered a cross into the area, where Serbian defender Jan-Carlo Simic met the ball with his head. Simic’s header directed it towards Aouar in front of goal, allowing the Algeria international to finish past Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khasif.

Aouar’s contribution was particularly significant because reports had suggested he could leave Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window. Those reports claimed German manager Jens Wissing was not convinced by the midfielder’s ability and could sanction his departure.

Instead, Aouar made a strong early impression in the team’s Asian campaign, scoring at a crucial stage of the match as Al-Ittihad moved closer to the main competition.

The 27-year-old has been regarded as one of the Saudi club’s leading players since joining from Roma in the summer of 2024. His first season with Al-Ittihad was especially successful, as the team won both the Roshn Saudi League and the King’s Cup.

That period helped establish Aouar as an important figure within the squad, and his goal in Abu Dhabi offered a timely reminder of his attacking influence. With Al-Ittihad already in control, he showed composure to complete the move created by Abdi and Simic.

The match was played as part of the preliminary route into the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite, meaning Al-Ittihad’s victory carried significance beyond a routine opening fixture. Their three-goal performance also gave Aouar the opportunity to begin the season by directly contributing to the team’s progress.

For Aouar, the finish was the clearest possible rebuttal to the doubts raised about his position at the club. Rather than beginning the campaign under pressure, he played a prominent part in Al-Ittihad’s emphatic victory and strengthened his case to remain an important member of the side.