Al-Ahli Edge Al-Ittihad as Saudi Pro League Title Race Intensifies

The Saudi Pro League title race showed no signs of slowing on Friday as Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal played simultaneously in search of staying within touching distance of league leaders Al-Nassr, who play on Saturday. While Al-Hilal took on Al-Najma, Al-Ahli’s weekend was about more than just three points. Waiting at Al-Inma Stadium were city rivals and defending champions Al-Ittihad.

For Al-Ittihad, the fixture was largely about pride. Their title defense has faltered, with 19 points separating them from the summit heading into the Sea Derby. Yet their 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal weeks earlier while playing a man down showed the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-profile matches.

Al-Ahli controlled the first half through a high press, with their cohesive team play under coach Matthias Jaissle on display. In the 23rd minute, Galeno exploited space behind Muhannad Al-Shanqiti and delivered a low cross to Ivan Toney, who continued his prolific season with his 24th goal. A potential VAR review followed after Houssem Aouar was brought down in the box prior to the goal, but referee Nikola Dabanovic ruled no infringement, and Al-Ahli led 1-0.

Al-Ittihad returned after halftime with renewed intensity. In the 51st minute, Steven Bergwijn drew a foul from Zakaria Hawsawi on the edge of the box, resulting in a penalty converted by Fabinho to level the score. However, Al-Ahli responded swiftly. Galeno’s low cross found Riyad Mahrez, who restored the hosts’ lead in the 59th minute. The match was sealed in the 84th minute when substitute Feras Al-Brikan dispossessed Predrag Rajkovic and slotted home.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal faced a tougher test against bottom-placed Al-Najma. Despite dominating possession, Al-Hilal struggled to finish chances. The turning point came in the 39th minute when Nasser Al-Haleel received a red card for a last-man foul on Salem Al-Dawsari. Four minutes later, Al-Dawsari assisted Karim Benzema for the opener. The final 10 minutes saw Benzema, Malcom, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic all score, lifting Al-Hilal’s goal difference to +43, crucial in a tight title race where Al-Nassr sit at +46.

The victories moved Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal to 62 and 61 points, with Al-Nassr sandwiched between them on 61 ahead of their clash against NEOM. Elsewhere, Al-Taawoun overcame Al-Fateh 3-2, and Al-Khaleej defeated Al-Hazem 2-1 thanks to goals from Giorgos Masouras and Kostas Fortounis.

Saudi Pro League action resumes Saturday with four matches, including Al-Nassr facing NEOM, Al-Ettifaq hosting Al-Shabab, Al-Kholood against Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Okhdood taking on Al-Fayha.