In a thrilling encounter at Al-Awwal Park, Al-Ittihad took a massive step toward securing the Saudi Pro League title after a sensational 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Al-Nassr in the 30th round of the competition.
Trailing 0-2 in front of 25,000 spectators, Al-Ittihad staged a remarkable second-half resurgence, capped by a last-gasp winner from Algerian defender Houssem Aouar in the 93rd minute. The victory extends Al-Ittihad’s lead at the top to 71 points, six ahead of second-placed Al-Hilal and 11 clear of Al-Nassr, who now risk missing out on next season’s AFC Champions League spot.
Al-Nassr started strong, with Sadio Mané and Ayman Yahya scoring in the 3rd and 37th minutes, respectively. However, Al-Ittihad responded swiftly after halftime, as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté leveled the score within seven minutes (49’, 52’).
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mané missed clear chances to restore Al-Nassr’s lead, while Benzema hit the crossbar with a header. Ronaldo squandered another opportunity after the equalizer, and Benzema was denied by a crucial save from goalkeeper Luiz Felipe “Bento.”
The match’s defining moment came when Aouar capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting home the winner deep into stoppage time. The goal sparked wild celebrations, while frustration boiled over for Al-Nassr, resulting in a post-match scuffle that saw French midfielder Moussa Diaby sent off after clashing with Abdullah Al-Khaibari.
Ronaldo expressed visible frustration, covering his face in disbelief at his team’s missed opportunities. Meanwhile, Aouar, named Man of the Match, described his emotions as “indescribable” after his last-minute heroics.
With the title now firmly in sight, Al-Ittihad’s incredible fightback has put them on the brink of glory, while Al-Nassr faces an uphill battle to salvage their season.
