In an entertaining pre-season friendly on July 20, 2026, Al Ettifaq FC overcame Johor Darul Ta'zim FC 3-2 at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. The match served as an important preparation fixture for both sides ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

Match Summary

Both teams Fielded strong line-ups, with Al Ettifaq looking to build chemistry under their new coaching staff, while JDT tested their squad depth. The game ebbed and flowed, with Al Ettifaq taking an early lead only for JDT to fight back twice. The home side’s superior fitness in the later stages proved decisive.

Goal Breakdown

• 8' – 1-0 (Al Ettifaq): A defensive error allowed winger Ali Al Sulayhim to cut inside and curl a shot into the far corner.
• 27' – 1-1 (JDT): A precise cross from the right found Bergson da Silva, who headed home from close range.
• 53' – 2-1 (Al Ettifaq): Midfielder Vitinho pounced on a loose ball in the box and smashed it into the roof of the net.
• 67' – 2-2 (JDT): A quick free-kick caught the Al Ettifaq defense off guard, and Arif Aiman Hanapi equalized with a low drive.
• 81' – 3-2 (Al Ettifaq): Substitute striker Firas Al-Buraikan rose highest to head home a corner, sealing the win.

Tactical Notes

Al Ettifaq employed a high-energy 4-3-3 system, pressing JDT’s backline and looking to exploit the flanks. JDT, playing a 4-2-3-1, relied on quick combinations through the midfield but were occasionally exposed in transition. The match gave both coaches valuable insights into player fitness and tactical execution.

Key Takeaways

For Al Ettifaq, the victory builds momentum ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season, where they aim to improve on last year’s mid-table finish. The performance of young forward Ali Al Sulayhim was particularly encouraging. Johor Darul Ta'zim, the dominant force in Malaysian football, will view this as a useful test against a physically strong opponent; they will look to sharpen their finishing before the Malaysia Super League resumes.