Analysis The numbers behind the result
Al-Ittihad's clinical finishing and early control overwhelmed Faisaly's possession
Al-Ittihad's 3–1 victory was earned through superior efficiency rather than dominance. The visitors held 53% possession to Al-Faisaly's 47%, but converted chances with far greater ruthlessness. Al-Ittihad registered 4 shots on goal from 12 total attempts; Al-Faisaly managed only 2 from 10. The decisive margin was established before half-time: Bergwijn's 28th-minute opener, assisted by Ríos Montoya, was followed by En-Nesyri's 43rd-minute finish from Ilenikhena's cross, giving Al-Ittihad a commanding 2–0 lead despite Al-Faisaly's territorial parity in the opening phase.
En-Nesyri's second goal in the 59th minute—again created by Ilenikhena—effectively settled the contest. Al-Faisaly's attacking threat remained blunt throughout: 10 total shots yielded only 2 on target, with 6 efforts missing the frame entirely. Their five substitutions after the 63rd minute and aggressive late pressure generated only a consolation from Bongonda in the 87th minute. Al-Ittihad, by contrast, controlled the game's tempo after going ahead, made their alterations to manage the scoreline (withdrawing En-Nesyri and Bergwijn by the 72nd minute), and restricted Al-Faisaly to peripheral attacking opportunities.
The single stat that encapsulates the outcome: Al-Ittihad's 4 shots on goal versus Al-Faisaly's 2. Clinical finishing in the first half, combined with Al-Faisaly's inability to convert possession into genuine danger, determined the result.