Al-Ittihad had yet to take the lead against any opponent in 270 minutes of AFC Champions League Elite competition this season. A late equalizer earned the team a 1-1 draw against Al-Shamal in its opener, before Shabab Al-Ahli edged Al-Ittihad 2-1 in Jeddah on matchday two.
On matchday three, with the score tied at 1-1 against Neftchi Fergana, Youssef En-Nesyri struck precisely on the 90-minute mark. The goal gave Al-Ittihad its first lead in the competition this season.