In an upcoming match on Thursday at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Al Ittihad is poised to clinch the Saudi Pro League title with a straightforward win against Al Raed, who currently sit at the bottom of the table and have already been relegated.
Al Hilal briefly delayed Al Ittihad’s potential championship victory by defeating Al-Orobah 4-0 last Monday, keeping their hopes of a title alive for a few more days. Al Hilal’s goals came from notable players including Aleksandar Mitrović, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Brazilian Kaio César, who scored twice during the match.
With 68 points, Al Hilal needs to win their remaining three fixtures while hoping Al Ittihad falters in their next matches. The first tie-breaker in the Saudi Pro League is head-to-head record, which favors Al Ittihad after their previous victory against Al Hilal.
Despite the setback from Al Hilal’s recent triumph, Al Ittihad is confident, having recently secured a 3-0 victory against Al Fayha. Star player Karim Benzema scored two goals in that match, further enhancing his pursuit of the Golden Shoe, currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads with 23 goals.
For the title-deciding match against Al Raed, Al Ittihad will welcome back Moussa Diaby, who missed the last game due to suspension. This potential championship victory not only signifies a remarkable achievement for the club but also marks Benzema’s first trophy in Saudi soccer, highlighting his impactful presence in the league after a season dominated by Al Hilal.
As Al Ittihad aims to finalize their long-awaited title win, the match on Thursday promises excitement for fans, encapsulating the competitive spirit of the league while showcasing some of the footballing talents within Saudi Arabia.