Al Ittihad stun Al Nassr with dramatic 3-2 comeback in Saudi Pro League thriller
RIYADH — Al Ittihad staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Al Nassr 3-2 in a pulsating Saudi Pro League clash on Sunday night at Al Awwal Park, dealing a heavy blow to the hosts' title hopes and tightening their grip at the top of the table.
The match ended in chaos as tensions boiled over after the final whistle, prompting Dutch referee Danny Makkelie to issue three cards: yellow for Steven Bergwijn (Al Ittihad) and Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), and a straight red card for Al Ittihad's Moussa Diaby following an altercation with Al Khaibari.
Al Nassr seemed in full control in the first half, opening the scoring just 123 seconds in through Senegalese winger Sadio Mane, who netted his ninth league goal of the season and 13th in all competitions.
Ayman Yahya then doubled the advantage in the 37th minute with a composed finish, ending a two-month scoring drought in the league.
But the second half belonged entirely to Al Ittihad.
Veteran French striker Karim Benzema ignited the comeback in the 49th minute with a trademark finish to record his 19th league goal of the campaign, pushing him into third place in the Golden Boot race, four behind Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three minutes later, midfield enforcer N'Golo Kanté completed the turnaround with a powerful strike to level the score at 2-2.
With the match heading for a draw, Houssem Aouar sealed a stunning late victory for the visitors, slotting home the winner in the 94th minute to silence the home crowd and cap off a sensational second-half turnaround.
The result moved league leaders Al Ittihad to 71 points, six clear of second-placed Al Hilal with just four rounds remaining.
Al Nassr, meanwhile, remain in fourth place with 60 points and saw their title aspirations all but dashed following a second consecutive disappointment after their AFC Champions League Elite semi-final exit to Kawasaki Frontale.
Karim Benzema left the pitch celebrating, while Ronaldo endured yet another night of frustration, despite an overhead kick attempt that came close late in the game.
The defeat leaves Al Nassr with more questions than answers as they look to salvage pride in the final stretch of a turbulent season.
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