The final whistle at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium echoed with an undeniable truth: Al-Ittihad were not just victors; they were the sole orchestrators of a performance that suffocated Al-Shabab from the first minute to the last. The 2-0 scoreline, while decisive, barely scratches the surface of Al-Ittihad's comprehensive control, laying bare a gulf in class and ambition that rendered Al-Shabab's efforts futile.

A Tide That Couldn't Be Stemmed

From the outset, Al-Ittihad imposed their will, turning possession into a weapon of attrition. Holding onto the ball for a staggering 68% of the match, they completed 613 passes compared to Al-Shabab's meager 294. This wasn't just sterile possession; it was a deliberate strategy to deny their opponents rhythm and space, relentlessly probing for openings. Midfield maestro Danilo Pereira was at the heart of this intricate web, completing 109 passes with an exceptional 90% accuracy, dictating the tempo and ensuring Al-Ittihad remained on the front foot.

The early goal, a clinical finish from Ahmed Al-Ghamdi in the 16th minute, was less a surprise and more an inevitability. Assisted by Roger Fernandes, who consistently found pockets of space with 3 key passes, it set the tone for an evening where Al-Ittihad's attacking intent was clear. Al-Shabab's response was not to counter, but to retreat.

The Siege on Al-Shabab's Goal

Al-Ittihad’s dominance extended far beyond the midfield, manifesting in a relentless assault on Al-Shabab’s goal. They unleashed 16 shots throughout the match, with 7 finding the target, forcing Al-Shabab’s goalkeeper into 5 crucial saves. The flanks became primary avenues for attack, evident in Al-Ittihad's 12 corners and 36 crosses – a stark contrast to Al-Shabab's single corner and 5 crosses. This statistical disparity paints a picture of a team under siege, constantly absorbing pressure from wide areas.

While Al-Shabab defenders, making a commendable 36 clearances, fought valiantly to repel the waves, their efforts were largely reactive. The high volume of tackles (21) and duels won (51, at a 56% success rate) only highlights how deeply entrenched they were in their own half, struggling to break free from Al-Ittihad's grip. They were battling to survive, not to compete.

The Inevitable Second Blow

As the clock ticked towards full-time, the narrative remained unchanged. Al-Ittihad continued to press, their patience eventually rewarded in the 85th minute. Steven Bergwijn, ever a threat, doubled the lead with a precisely taken goal, assisted by the exceptional Muhannad Shanqeeti. Shanqeeti, deservedly named MVP, was a constant force down the right, contributing defensively and offensively, his assist a fitting reward for a performance defined by energy and precision.

This second goal was the final, definitive statement. It wasn't just about securing the three points; it was about confirming the absolute nature of Al-Ittihad's control. Al-Shabab, despite their defensive resilience in moments, offered nothing in attack, managing only 6 shots in total, with just 4 on target, all comfortably dealt with by Al-Ittihad’s defense.

The Verdict Stands

The verdict is clear: Al-Ittihad played with the authority of a team with genuine aspirations, making a powerful statement in Round 11 of the Saudi Pro League. As Al-Nassr sits atop the league, six points ahead, performances like this underline Al-Ittihad’s intent to close the gap. For Al-Shabab, however, the questions are more troubling. How does a team with their potential generate so little attacking threat, and what answers can they find to escape the shadow of such overwhelming opposition?