Saleh Al-Shehri's late penalty rescues Al Ittihad against Al Riyadh
JEDDAH — Saleh Al-Shehri ended Al Ittihad's streak of draws in dramatic fashion, converting a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 2-1 victory over Al Riyadh on Thursday in the Saudi Pro League.
After three consecutive draws, the league leaders were in danger of dropping points again when Ibrahim Bayesh equalized for Al Riyadh in the closing moments of regulation time, canceling out Moussa Diaby's second-half opener for Al Ittihad.
However, deep into stoppage time, the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a handball inside the box.
Al-Shehri stepped up and calmly converted in the 11th minute of added time, sparking celebrations among the visitors.
Karim Benzema had found the net twice for Al Ittihad, once in each half, but both goals were ruled out for offside.With the win, Al Ittihad moves to 61 points from 25 matches, maintaining a seven-point lead over second-placed Al Hilal, who face Al Taawoun on Saturday. Al Riyadh remains ninth with 33 points.
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