The Saudi Pro League title race was blown wide open on Thursday after leaders Al-Ittihad suffered a shock 2-0 defeat away at Al-Fateh, while second-placed Al-Hilal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Al-Khaleej. The results cut Al-Ittihad’s lead at the top to just four points with six games remaining.
Al-Hilal 3-0 Al-Khaleej
Playing earlier in the day, Al-Hilal applied the pressure with a comfortable win. Salem Al-Dawsari opened the scoring in the 26th minute, converting a pass from Kaio Cesar. The Saudi international sealed the victory with his second goal in the 84th minute, finishing after being set up by Aleksandar Mitrović. Mitrović then added a third himself in the 88th minute. The win moved Al-Hilal to 61 points.
Al-Fateh 2-0 Al-Ittihad
Knowing they needed a win to restore their seven-point cushion, Al-Ittihad faltered against relegation-threatened Al-Fateh. Amine Sbai gave the hosts a surprise lead after just 10 minutes. The first half saw penalty drama at both ends; first, Al-Fateh’s Mourad Batna missed a chance to double the lead from the spot around the 35th minute. Then, just before halftime, Al-Ittihad midfielder Fabinho saw his penalty saved by Al-Fateh keeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi after a handball decision.
Al-Ittihad thought they had leveled through Karim Benzema just after the hour mark, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Al-Fateh secured the crucial victory in the 69th minute when Matías Vargas ran onto a long ball and slotted past goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Mahasneh. The win lifts Al-Fateh to 13th place, four points clear of the relegation zone, while Al-Ittihad remain top on 65 points.
Title Race Heats Up
With the gap now just four points and Al-Hilal possessing a superior goal difference, the title race is set for a tense finish. Third-placed Al-Nassr (57 points) can also apply pressure when they visit Al-Qadsiah on Saturday, knowing a win would move them within five points of the leaders.
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