Al Amri returns to Al Ittihad chasing a three-peat, no time for sentiment | OneFootball

Abdulelah Al Amri heads back to Jeddah on Saturday, the Al Nassr defender a rare back-to-back Roshn Saudi League winner now pursuing a historic three-peat against former club Al Ittihad.

According to spl.com.sa, he is part of a select group to have lifted successive RSL titles with different clubs. The centre-back has spent all but two years of his career at Al Nassr, yet his 2024-25 loan at Al Ittihad brought a title under Laurent Blanc by eight points, and he later dedicated that triumph to the club’s fans.

Returning to his parent club last season, he said a second straight league crown meant a great deal, describing a gruelling campaign settled on the final day. He felt throughout that the title would be Al Nassr’s and suggested it was only the start. He often captains the side when Cristiano Ronaldo is absent.

Under new manager Ange Postecoglou, the champions have begun perfectly, four wins from four, 12 scored and three conceded, with only Al Hilal also flawless. Al Amri has struck twice in four matches, already matching last season’s tally.

He initially missed the opener as Mohamed Simakan and Inigo Martinez started, but an injury to Simakan gave Al Amri his chance, which he seized. With Simakan back for the most recent game, Al Amri kept his place ahead of Martinez, creating a welcome selection puzzle.

Al Ittihad, now led by 38-year-old Jens Wissing, are unbeaten with two wins and two draws, including a 10-man victory at Al Qadsiah. Pride-restoring or not, for 90 minutes there will be no room for sentiment.

Source: spl.com.sa

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