In a thrilling encounter on May 7, 2025, Al Ittihad showcased their resilience by coming from two goals down to defeat Al Nassr 3-2 in a dramatic Saudi Pro League match at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh. The victory not only solidified Al Ittihad's position at the top of the league but also brought them a step closer to clinching the title.
The match began with Al Nassr taking an early lead, as Sadio Mane opened the scoring just three minutes in with a low shot that found the back of the net. Mane then turned provider in the 37th minute, assisting Ayman Yahya to double Al Nassr's advantage, making it 2-0. This goal was confirmed after a VAR review, despite the ball having touched Mane's hand in the buildup.
However, the tide turned dramatically after halftime. Al Ittihad, determined to fight back, came out with renewed energy. Just four minutes into the second half, Karim Benzema reduced the deficit with a powerful header, giving Al Ittihad a glimmer of hope. The comeback continued in the 56th minute when N'Golo Kante equalized for the visitors, slotting the ball home after a swift counter-attack.
With the score level at 2-2, the match reached a fever pitch as both teams pushed for the winner. In the dying moments of the match, Houssem Aouar emerged as the hero for Al Ittihad, scoring the decisive goal in the 94th minute. Aouar found the net from close range after a well-placed cross from Moussa Diaby, sealing a remarkable comeback for his team.
But the drama didn’t end there. Just moments after the winning goal, Moussa Diaby received a straight red card in the 97th minute, adding to the tension of an already electrifying match.
This victory leaves Al Ittihad six points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 71 points, while Al Nassr remains in fourth place with 60 points. With only four league games remaining, Al Ittihad is on the brink of clinching the title, and they are also in contention for the domestic double after reaching the King Cup final.
For Al Nassr, this defeat compounds a frustrating week. Just days earlier, they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League, falling to Kawasaki Frontale in another close match that ended 3-2. Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a crucial chance late in that match, cut a disconsolate figure as he reflected on his team's struggles.
As the league progresses, the pressure mounts for Al Nassr, who must now regroup and focus on their remaining matches to secure a spot in next season's AFC Champions League. Only two teams from the league will qualify for the continental competition, making every point crucial as they look to bounce back from this setback.
Al Ittihad, on the other hand, will take immense confidence from this victory as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. With a formidable squad that includes Champions League winners like Benzema and Kante, they are poised to make history in the Saudi Pro League.
As the title race heats up, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures, where every match could prove pivotal in the quest for glory.
In conclusion, Al Ittihad's dramatic comeback against Al Nassr not only highlights their championship pedigree but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the Saudi Pro League season.
