Benzema rescues Al Ittihad with stoppage-time equalizer in thrilling Jeddah Derby
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — A dramatic 94th-minute equalizer from Karim Benzema salvaged a crucial 2-2 draw for Al Ittihad against rivals Al Ahli in a pulsating Jeddah Derby on Saturday night, keeping the league leaders firmly in the Roshn Saudi League title race.
The French striker latched onto Abdulelah Al Amri's low cross deep into stoppage time and rifled a shot past Edouard Mendy, marking his 17th goal of the season and sending the Al Ittihad faithful at Alinma Stadium into raptures.
The result pushes Al Ittihad to five points clear of second-placed Al Hilal, while Al Nassr, fresh from a Capital Derby win, sit three points further behind.
In the third marquee clash of RSL Derby Week, the showdown between Jeddah's cross-city giants lived up to the billing. Al Ahli, hosting the match, took the lead in the 51st minute when Roger Ibanez rose highest to power in a header from a Riyad Mahrez corner.
Al Ittihad responded on 74 minutes through a swift transition. After Fabinho dispossessed Franck Kessié, the ball fell to Saleh Al Shehri, who fed Moussa Diaby. The French winger beat Mendy with a low finish between the goalkeeper's legs to make it 1-1.
Al Ahli looked to have sealed all three points when, in the 82nd minute, a left-flank break led to an inadvertent touch from N'Golo Kanté that fell kindly for Ivan Toney, who slotted home his 17th goal of an impressive debut season in Saudi Arabia.
But Al Ittihad, showing the resilience of title contenders, mounted a final push. Benzema's late equalizer — a composed, high finish — ensured the spoils were shared and that his side maintained momentum at the summit of the league.
The draw adds further intrigue to the title run-in. With just a handful of matches remaining, Al Ittihad sits in pole position, though Al Hilal and Al Nassr remain in striking distance.
For Al Ahli, currently fifth in the standings, the draw denied them a signature victory, though the performance reinforced their top-four ambitions.
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