The story of Al-Shabab’s early history is a fractured one; it saw the defection of a president who would go on to form what would become the country’s most successful ever club (Al Hilal) while Shabab struggled with financial difficulty.
It would take ‘The White Lions’ decades to recover and establish themselves as one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful clubs, now with five league titles to its name.
They haven’t matched their recent domestic success on the continental front though, their best run in the Asian Champions League ending in a humiliating 7-0 aggregate loss to Ulsan Honrag-i back in the 2006 season.
However, a stirring aggregate win over Jeonbuk Motors banished those painful memories this season, with Uruguayan manager Jorge Fossati leading them into the semi finals after his recent appointment.
He’s sparked something of a revival for the Riyadh club after their poor start to the league season, as well as making possible what would be a tantalising Asian Champions League final against none other than Al Hilal in November.
In their way stand another K-League outfit in Seongnam and the Saudi side will be without inspirational centre-back Marcelo Tavares, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards during the quarter final stage.
Shabab might not have the individual star power of the other three clubs remaining in the competition but they drew their strength from unity against Jeonbuk, producing a sterling defensive display in Korea as they won 2-0 in the first leg.
Saudi Arabia international Nasser Ali Al-Shamrani has been prolific at club level since joining the club in 2006, while Uruguayn striker Juan Olivera netted a late, crucial and superb second against Jeonbuk to underline his quality during the quarter finals.