"A Point Is A Point": Diaby Reflects On Al Ittihad's Sea Derby Performance

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Post on Apr 08, 2025

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"A Point is a Point": Diaby Reflects on Al Ittihad's Sea Derby Performance

Al Ittihad's much-anticipated Jeddah derby clash against Al Ahli ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving a mixed taste in the mouths of fans and players alike. While a point on the road isn't necessarily a bad result, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions will feel they could have secured all three against their city rivals. After the final whistle, midfielder N'Golo Kanté's replacement, Moussa Diaby, offered his perspective on the match, highlighting the team's resilience and the importance of maintaining their league title push.

A Hard-Fought Draw in the Jeddah Derby

The match, a captivating spectacle for neutral observers, saw Al Ahli take an early lead before Al Ittihad fought back to equalize. The game was a testament to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, with both teams displaying attacking intent and robust defensive displays. Diaby, who has quickly become a key figure in Nuno Espírito Santo's system, played a crucial role in Al Ittihad's attacking forays, showcasing his pace and dribbling skills. However, he acknowledged the team's shortcomings in converting their chances.

"It was a tough game, a very intense derby," Diaby stated in his post-match interview. "Al Ahli played well, they made it difficult for us, but we showed our character to come back and get a point." He emphasized the significance of the draw in the context of the title race: "A point is a point. In a league as competitive as this, every point counts. We are still in the hunt, and we will keep fighting until the end."

Missed Opportunities and Future Focus

Despite the positive spin, Diaby didn't shy away from acknowledging Al Ittihad's missed opportunities. "We could have scored more goals, we had chances, but we weren't clinical enough in front of the goal," he admitted. "This is something we need to work on in training. We need to be more ruthless in the final third." This self-awareness underlines the high standards expected within the Al Ittihad squad and their ambition to dominate the Saudi Pro League.

The French international also spoke about the importance of team spirit and unity in overcoming challenges. "The spirit in the team is very strong," Diaby asserted. "We are a family, and we support each other through thick and thin. We will learn from this game and move forward."

Looking Ahead: The Title Race Remains Tight

The draw leaves Al Ittihad's title hopes intact, but the competition remains fierce. Their focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures, where consistent performances and improved goal-scoring will be crucial. Diaby’s comments reflect the team's determination to maintain their relentless pursuit of the Saudi Pro League crown. The Jeddah derby, despite ending in a draw, served as a reminder of the high stakes and intense rivalry that defines Saudi football. Al Ittihad's ability to learn from the missed opportunities and maintain their focus will ultimately determine their success in the remaining matches.

Keywords: Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Jeddah Derby, Saudi Pro League, Moussa Diaby, N'Golo Kanté, Nuno Espírito Santo, Saudi Football, football, soccer, derby, title race, point, draw, analysis, post-match interview.