Al-Ittihad climbed level on points with Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League table following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al-Shabab on Wednesday. The match saw the hosts take early control with first-half goals from Abdulrahman Al Obud and Karim Benzema, while Al-Shabab’s Haroune Camara halved the deficit shortly after. Despite a spirited second-half effort from both sides, Al-Ittihad held firm to secure the win.
A Game of Fine Margins
Al-Ittihad started the game with clear intent, dominating possession and creating early chances. However, they struggled to convert until the 32nd minute when a Karim Benzema strike forced a save from Al-Shabab goalkeeper Abdullah Al Muaiouf. The rebound fell kindly to Abdulrahman Al Obud, who made no mistake in slotting home the opener.
The goal sparked a response from Al-Shabab, with Abderrazzaq Hamed-Allah testing Al-Ittihad’s goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic, shortly afterward. However, it was the hosts who struck again.
In the 38th minute, Al-Ittihad launched a swift counterattack. Hamed Al Ghamdi delivered a perfectly timed assist to Benzema, who coolly guided his shot into the bottom-left corner, doubling the lead.
Al-Shabab’s Quick Response
Al-Shabab refused to back down and responded just two minutes later. Daniel Podence whipped a precise ball across the face of goal, where Haroune Camara was waiting to tap it into the net. The goal shifted the momentum briefly in favor of the visitors, but they couldn’t find an equalizer before halftime.
Second-Half Battle
The second half saw Al-Ittihad pushing to restore their two-goal advantage. Steven Bergwijn and Benzema both came close to scoring, with Bergwijn’s effort narrowly missing the target and Benzema forcing another save from Al Muaiouf.
Al-Shabab also had their moments, with Camara and Podence combining effectively, but the Al-Ittihad defense stood strong. Predrag Rajkovic was crucial between the posts, ensuring the hosts maintained their slim lead.
Benzema’s Impact
Karim Benzema once again proved his value to Al-Ittihad, not just with his goal but also with his overall influence on the game. The former Real Madrid captain has now scored 12 goals this season, along with five assists, surpassing his total contributions from last season.
His leadership on the pitch has been instrumental in Al-Ittihad’s recent success, including their impressive record against Riyadh-based teams this season. Wednesday’s victory marked the third consecutive win against Riyadh opposition in the same campaign—a feat last achieved in the 2020-21 season.
Al-Ittihad’s Winning Streak
Al-Ittihad’s victory over Al-Shabab extends their winning streak to three matches and underscores their strong form against capital-based teams. They have now scored in nine consecutive matches against Riyadh sides, showcasing their attacking prowess.
The win also puts them level with Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, setting the stage for an exciting title race.
Key Stats from the Match
| Statistic | Al-Ittihad | Al-Shabab |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 58% | 42% |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 8 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 85% | 78% |
Conclusion
Al-Ittihad’s 2-1 win over Al-Shabab was a testament to their resilience and star power, led by Karim Benzema. The victory not only keeps them in the title hunt but also reinforces their dominance against Riyadh-based teams this season. With Benzema in fine form and the team showing strong defensive discipline, Al-Ittihad looks poised to challenge for the Saudi Pro League crown.
FAQs
1. How many goals has Karim Benzema scored this season?
Benzema has scored 12 goals in the Saudi Pro League this season, along with five assists.
2. What was the turning point in the match?
Al-Ittihad’s quick counterattack in the 38th minute, finished by Benzema, gave them a crucial two-goal cushion.
3. How has Al-Ittihad performed against Riyadh-based teams this season?
Al-Ittihad has won three consecutive matches against Riyadh-based teams and scored in their last nine games against them.
4. What is Al-Ittihad’s current position in the league?
Al-Ittihad is level on points with Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
5. Who were the standout players in the match?
Karim Benzema was the standout player with a goal and a pivotal role in the attack. Predrag Rajkovic also impressed with key saves.
