Karim Benzema scored a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer as Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against rivals Al-Ahli in a thrilling “Sea Derby” in Jeddah on Saturday, April 5th. The draw extends Al-Ittihad’s lead at the top to five points, though they missed a chance to pull further clear.
The match, played in front of 60,000 fans at King Abdullah Sports City, saw Al-Ittihad field stand-in goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Mahasneh due to an injury sustained by Predrag Rajkovic in their midweek King’s Cup semi-final win. Al-Mahasneh made crucial early saves, denying Firas Al-Buraikan and Ivan Toney. Edouard Mendy returned in goal for Al-Ahli after a three-week break.
Despite Al-Ittihad surviving two penalty appeals, the first half remained goalless, with N’Golo Kanté missing a clear chance for the visitors just before the break.
Al-Ahli took the lead four minutes after the restart. Defender Ibañez rose highest to head home a Riyad Mahrez corner.
Al-Ittihad responded in the 75th minute. Saleh Al-Shehri played a precise pass to Moussa Diaby, who finished first-time to level the scores.
Al-Ahli regained the lead in the 82nd minute when Ivan Toney capitalized after a blocked cross fell kindly to him, shooting home from close range.
Just as Al-Ahli looked set for a famous victory, Benzema struck deep into added time. Abdulelah Al-Amri found the former Real Madrid star with an exquisite pass to the back post, and Benzema made no mistake to snatch a point for the league leaders.
The draw moves Al-Ittihad to 62 points from 26 games, five clear of second-placed Al-Hilal (57 points). Al-Nassr remain third on 54 points, followed by Al-Qadsiah (52) and Al-Ahli (49). The thrilling derby highlighted the competitiveness at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
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