In a thrilling showdown at Al-Awwal Park, Al Ittihad emerged victorious over Al Nassr with a final score of 3-2, marking a pivotal moment in the 2024/2025 Saudi Pro League season. The match, held on May 8, 2025, saw both teams displaying their prowess, but it was Al Ittihad who ultimately claimed the win, pushing them 11 points clear of their rivals.
The stakes were high as Al Nassr entered the match trailing Al Ittihad by eight points, desperately needing a win to keep their title hopes alive. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge, Al Nassr aimed to bounce back after a disappointing exit from the AFC Champions League. The home side started strong, with Sadio Mane breaking the deadlock just two minutes into the game. Mane capitalized on a defensive error, taking a touch before sending a low shot past Al Ittihad's goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic.
Al Nassr continued to apply pressure, and in the 37th minute, Aiman Yahya doubled their lead, finishing off a slick move initiated by Mane. Yahya's strike put Al Nassr up 2-0 at halftime, a score that left fans optimistic about a crucial victory.
However, the second half saw a dramatic turnaround. Al Ittihad, led by Karim Benzema, came out revitalized and determined to fight back. Just four minutes into the half, Benzema scored with a powerful header, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The momentum shifted, and Al Ittihad began to dominate possession, pushing Al Nassr onto the back foot.
In the 52nd minute, N'Golo Kante equalized for Al Ittihad, striking a well-placed shot that beat Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento. With the score level at 2-2, the match intensified, and both teams fought fiercely for control.
As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable. Al Ittihad pressed forward, and in a dramatic twist, Houssem Aouar scored the winning goal in the dying moments of the match. Aouar's shot was initially saved by Bento, but he managed to convert the rebound, sending Al Ittihad fans into a frenzy as they took a 3-2 lead.
Despite Al Nassr's efforts to equalize again, including a late flurry of chances, they couldn't find the back of the net. The match ended in chaos, with players from both sides engaging in a scuffle as frustrations boiled over. The result leaves Al Ittihad firmly in control of the league, while Al Nassr's title aspirations hang by a thread.
Fans tuning in from the United States were able to catch the action live on platforms such as Fubo, FS2, and FOX Deportes. The match kicked off at 2:00 PM ET, and viewers were treated to a spectacle featuring some of football's biggest stars.
Al Ittihad's victory not only solidifies their position at the top of the league standings but also serves as a significant psychological boost as they head towards the final matches of the season. With this win, Al Ittihad now holds a commanding 11-point lead over Al Nassr, who currently sits in fourth place.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the league. Al Nassr must regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season and qualify for the next Asian Champions League, while Al Ittihad will look to maintain their momentum and clinch the title.
In the aftermath of the match, Al Nassr manager Stefano Pioli expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for the future, stating, "We need to learn from this and come back stronger. Our focus now is on the remaining games and ensuring we qualify for the Champions League." Meanwhile, Al Ittihad's coach Laurent Blanc praised his team's resilience, remarking, "This win shows our character. We fought hard, and I’m proud of the players for their determination to turn the game around."
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the rivalry between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad continues to captivate fans, with both teams showcasing their talents and ambitions in the Saudi Pro League.
