Horror start complete for Benzema & Co! - Al Ittihad vs Shabab Al Ahli - Highlights ACL Elite

Saudi Arabia's Al Etihad continue their return to the AFC Champions League elite against the UAE's Shabab Al Ahly at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Shabab Al Ahly, with a total of 28 shots in their opening game, had to settle for a draw and off to a flying start here in Jeddah as well. Youri Cesar at the back post with an absolute rocket. Rajkovic, the goalkeeper, manages to get a hand to the ball. Maksimovic, with the header on the rebound, unable to keep it down. But what an early opportunity for Shabab Al Ahly. 21st minute, visitors in red, losing possession inside the Al Etihad half. Ndolo Kante, powering forward, lovely through ball into the path of Moussa Diaby. Moussa Diaby drives it hard and low, looking for the bottom corner. Didn't miss it by much, it's a good strike. Just didn't quite work the angle well enough. 37th minute, really entertaining matchday two between these two sides. Bala with the ball back and not a bad effort whatsoever by Sultan Adil. Once again, Predrag Rajkovic, the Serbian shot stopper, comes up with the goods. Corner plate in this first half for Shabab Al Ahly. Towards the back post and there is the opening goal. Saeed Ezzatollahi, the big man from Iran, with his first goal of the season. Lovely cross from Kartabia. The towering header sees the visitors from the UAE with a one-goal lead at the break here. Al Etihad's defeat on matchday one to Al Wada, their first in their last eight against opposition from the UAE. Bala drives one down the middle. Rajkovic with more damage control, could easily be more than just the one here. Shabab Al Ahly come forward again here in the 58th minute. Ball out wide to Guilherme Bala. Bala once again gets a bit more height on that one, just wouldn't dip in time though. It looked like Rajkovic had it covered all the way but it's more pressure from the visitors. 85th minute, Al Etihad running out of time. Ball out wide from Benzema. Diaby, lovely ball into the path of Al Ghamdi. And somehow, Ahmed Al Mekbali keeps it out. A little bit of luck involved there as well for the Shabab Al Ahly keeper. 87th minute, Bala with a ball into the path of Al Ghasani, stopped by Rajkovic. Ball still alive though. Dabur with the overhead kick, straight into the hands of Rajkovic. Nevertheless, one goal enough for Shabab Al Ahly who take their tally to four with their first win while the struggles continue for Al Etihad.