Al-Ittihad's commanding performance against Al-Hilal marked a significant moment in the Saudi Pro League championship race as they secured a resounding 4-1 victory on February 22, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The match featured intense competition, with Al-Hilal initially taking the lead thanks to Marcos Leonardo's goal just 23 minutes in. But Al-Ittihad quickly restored parity with Hasan Kadesh finding the net six minutes later. The first half saw Steven Bergwijn give Al-Ittihad the advantage with his goal just before the break, making the score 2-1.
After halftime, Bergwijn struck again for Al-Ittihad, scoring his second goal of the match and solidifying the lead at 3-1. Not to be outdone, star striker Karim Benzema capped off the evening with the final goal at the 86-minute mark, putting the match out of reach for Al-Hilal.
With this victory, Al-Ittihad elevated their points total to 55, pulling seven points clear of their closest rivals, Al-Hilal, who now sit at 48 points. This outcome not only solidifies Al-Ittihad's position at the top of the league but also sets the stage for what looks to be an exciting conclusion to the season.
The match was characterized by individual brilliance as well, with Bergwijn earning significant acclaim for his double. At 37 years old, Benzema continues to defy expectations by proving he remains a formidable scoring threat, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Al-Ittihad squad.
Al-Hilal's coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged the tough competition, stating, "The game concluded sensationally with Al-Ittihad overwhelming their rivals." The defeat raised concerns for Al-Hilal's defensive lapses, especially on the road, where they had struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding goals in seven of their last nine away matches.
This clash not only boosted Al-Ittihad's chances of securing the championship title, but it also rekindled the fierce rivalry between these two great clubs. Football fans across the globe eagerly view this rivalry as one punctuated by high stakes and even higher drama.
Looking forward, Al-Ittihad appears well-positioned to claim the title, but with future matches still to be played, every point will be contested fiercely as Al-Hilal attempts to regroup and mount their own challenge. Therefore, the season will remain thrilling for both players and fans alike.
Overall, this match was not just another fixture; it served as a pivotal moment for Al-Ittihad as they pushed closer to their championship dreams and left Al-Hilal seeking answers for their defensive shortcomings.