Al Ittihad's Diaby On The Sea Derby: A Hard-Fought Point, A Valuable Lesson

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Post on Apr 08, 2025

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Al Ittihad's Diaby on the Sea Derby: A Hard-Fought Point, a Valuable Lesson

The Jeddah derby between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, a result that left both sides with mixed feelings. For Al Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, the point felt hard-earned, a testament to their resilience against a determined Al Ahli side. But more importantly, according to star midfielder N'Golo Kanté's replacement, Moussa Diaby, the match served as a valuable lesson learned.

A Tense Encounter in Jeddah's Super Clasico

The atmosphere at the King Abdullah Sports City was electric. The Sea Derby, as it's known, is one of the most fiercely contested matches in Saudi Arabian football, and this encounter lived up to its reputation. Both teams traded blows throughout the 90 minutes, showcasing exceptional skill and unwavering commitment. Al Ahli took the lead early, but Al Ittihad fought back, equalizing through a stunning strike. The remainder of the game was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both sides pushing for a winner, but ultimately neither could find the decisive goal.

Diaby's Perspective: More Than Just a Point

Speaking after the match, Al Ittihad's new signing, Moussa Diaby, reflected on the game's significance: "It was a very tough game, a derby match is always difficult, especially against a team like Al Ahli. They are a strong opponent, very well organised, and they made it hard for us." He acknowledged the value of securing a point away from home against such formidable opposition, highlighting the team's resilience and determination.

Key Takeaways and Future Focus

However, Diaby emphasized that the result represented more than just a point in the league standings. He highlighted several key takeaways from the intense match:

• Improved Defensive Solidity: Diaby stressed the importance of the team's defensive performance, noting improvements in dealing with Al Ahli's attacking threats. This suggests a growing understanding and cohesion within the Al Ittihad defensive structure.
• Maintaining Intensity: The match underscored the need for Al Ittihad to maintain their high intensity throughout the entire game. This is crucial for sustaining their performance and achieving consistent victories.
• Clinical Finishing: The inability to capitalize on several scoring chances served as a valuable learning experience. Diaby emphasized the importance of improving the team's clinical finishing in the final third to secure more wins.

Looking Ahead: Learning and Adapting

For Diaby, and the entire Al Ittihad squad, the Jeddah derby wasn't just about the result; it was about the process. "We learned a lot from this game," he stated. "We saw where we need to improve, and we'll work hard in training to address those areas." This focus on continuous improvement and adaptation underlines Al Ittihad's ambition to maintain their dominance in the Saudi Pro League. The draw against Al Ahli might have been a hard-fought point, but the lessons learned will prove invaluable as the season progresses. The Sea Derby showcased exciting football, and with players like Diaby leading the charge, Al Ittihad's future looks bright. The team's commitment to learning and adapting promises a thrilling season ahead.