Youssef En-Nesyri fires Al-Ittihad to dramatic Asian Champions League victory

Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri emerged as the decisive figure as Al-Ittihad secured a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Saudi side claimed a valuable win at the Istiqlol Stadium after recovering from an early setback, with En-Nesyri delivering at a crucial moment to prevent Al-Ittihad from dropping points.

Neftchi Strike First

Al-Ittihad endured a difficult start when Neftchi Fergana took the lead in the 17th minute through Jamshid Iskanderov.

The goal came from the penalty spot after a VAR review identified a handball involving Al-Ittihad striker George Alenikhina, leaving the visitors needing to respond.

Al-Ittihad increased their attacking efforts in search of an equaliser and eventually restored parity in the 34th minute.

Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar rose to head home and bring the Saudi side back into the contest before half-time.

En-Nesyri Delivers at the Decisive Moment

The second half developed into an open contest, with both teams searching for a winning goal.

As the match approached its conclusion, a draw appeared increasingly possible before Moroccan international En-Nesyri stepped forward to make the difference.

His decisive contribution secured a 2-1 victory for Al-Ittihad, giving the Saudi club an important result in their AFC Champions League Elite campaign.