Al-Ittihad fans witnessed a remarkable comeback as their team hammered Al-Hilal 4-1 in the 21st week of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the standings.
Brazilian sensation Marcos Leonardo initially placed Al-Hilal ahead in the 23rd minute. However, Hassan Kadish quickly equalized six minutes later. Then, Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn scored twice, and French star Karim Benzema sealed the victory for the Tigers four minutes before the final whistle.
Al-Hilal took an early lead midway through the first half after Joao Cancelo delivered a precise cross from the right flank, with Marcos Leonardo capitalized on the opportunity by scoring with a poacher’s goal.
Al-Ittihad responded swiftly six minutes later as Moussa Diaby executed a corner kick from the right side with Hassan Kadesh headed the ball into the net, leveling the score for his team.
Second Half Action
The Jeddah giants continued their momentum when Steve Bergwijn put them ahead just before the break. Karim Benzema passed the ball wide for Diaby who then crossed perfectly for Bergwijn to score after Yassine Bounou blocked his initial attempt.
The Dutch star struck again only six minutes after the second half began after N’Golo Kante made a breakthrough down the right wing pulling the ball back for Bergwijn, who completed the goal from close range.
Al-Hilal pushed forward but conceded another goal four minutes before the end, however Diaby’s corner found Karim Benzema in the left side of the box, with the Frenchman volleys home his 16th league goal this season, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo atop the individual rankings.
This win gives Al-Ittihad a significant seven-point advantage over Al-Hilal and with thirteen games left in the season, the Tigers look poised to maintain their dominance.
Up next Al-Ittihad will visit Al-Khaleej on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their momentum, while Al-Hilal host Al-Kholoud a day earlier, desperate to revive their faltering campaign.
