Al Ittihad is inching closer to securing the Saudi Pro League title following their emphatic 4-1 victory over Al Hilal, marking their dominance in the league. This classic encounter, held on February 22, 2025, showcased Karim Benzema's stellar performance as he netted his fourth goal of the match, equaling the tally of his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match started with Al Hilal taking the lead thanks to Marcos Leonardo's goal 22 minutes in, capitalizing on a precise pass from Joao Cancelo. The joy for Al Hilal was short-lived as Al Ittihad struck back just five minutes later, showcasing their attacking prowess. Kadesh managed to score the equalizer after benefitting from a rebound off the Al Hilal goalkeeper, Bono. This goal sparked Al Ittihad's offensive onslaught which would prove decisive.
Steven Bergwijn was instrumental for the home side, as he contributed significantly to their second goal. After dodging defenders, he capitalized on a rebound to widen the gap to 2-1. Just eleven minutes later, the Dutchman was the recipient of a brilliant assist from N’Golo Kanté, calmly pushing the ball past the defenders to solidify Al Ittihad's lead to 3-1.
Even after having one of his goals disallowed by VAR for offside, Benzema didn't let it deter his motivation. His persistence paid off when he scored the fourth goal for his team at the 86-minute mark, sealing the match and proving his importance to Al Ittihad’s championship aspirations.
This win boosts Al Ittihad’s standing, increasing their lead over Al Hilal to seven points and bringing them tantalizingly close to the coveted championship title. Benzema's scoring prowess parallels Cristiano Ronaldo, both currently leading the league's top-scorers list with 16 goals.
Following the match, Benzema’s form and impactful performance solidified his reputation as both a leader on and off the pitch. Al Hilal, on the other hand, faces pressure to recover and rethink their strategy, as their chances to reclaim the title severely dwindle.
The clash between these football titans reiterated how competitive and electrifying the Saudi Pro League has become, with fans eager to witness the fate of championship contention. With only several matches left this season, many are debating whether Al Ittihad will confidently lift the trophy or if Al Hilal still has one last push to make.