Ittihad's late show maintains title challenge

Arab News

14-03-2025

Al-Ittihad left it very late to defeat Al-Riyadh 2-1 on Thursday to move seven points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League and stay on course for a 10th title.
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For a long time in Jeddah, it looked like being a frustrating evening for the hosts who had two goals disallowed. In the end, however, the Tigers took a step toward a second league title since 2009.
Al-Hilal can, however, reduce the lead to four points if they win their game in hand on Saturday against Al-Taawoun.
After just seven minutes, Karim Benzema had the ball in the net after an effort from Steven Bergwijn had bounced back into play but it was ruled that the Dutchman had been offside.
Al-Ittihad continued to push forward but the home fans had to wait until 10 minutes after the restart to see the deadlock finally broken thanks to Moussa Diaby.
The former Aston Villa winger broke free down the wing, outpaced the visiting defense, and then shot home from the right side of the area.
With 12 minutes remaining, Benzema thought he had sealed the win for the Jeddah giants but, once more, the Frenchman's effort was ruled out for offside.
The former Real Madrid star was left to regret that as Al-Riyadh equalized through a spectacular effort from Ibrahim Bayesh, with nine minutes remaining.
The Iraqi international picked up possession inside his own half, ran to the edge of the penalty area and then fired home into the top corner for what could be a goal of the season contender.
Despite that beauty, it looked grim for Ittihad but then, 10 minutes into added time, the leaders grabbed a dramatic victory after a handball in the area.
Saleh Al-Shehri kept his nerve to score from the penalty spot after 12 minutes of added time.
While there is still a long way to go, the goal means that Al-Ittihad stay in the driving seat leaving Hilal much to do.