AL-ITTIHAD’S VICTORY OVER AL-HILAL SECURES LEAD IN SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
Karim Benzema shines with stunning goal, contributing to Al-Ittihad's dominant performance.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Al-Ittihad solidified their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League with a convincing 4-1 victory over their closest rival, Al-Hilal. The match, packed with intensity and action, showcased the talents of some of football's biggest stars. With this triumph, Al-Ittihad now stands seven points clear of Al-Hilal, making their path to the championship clearer.
The game had hardly settled when Al-Hilal struck first, with Marcos Leonardo finding the net at the 23rd minute, giving the visitors the early lead. But Al-Ittihad, driven by their desire to secure the title, quickly regrouped. Only six minutes later, Hassan Kadesh leveled the score with a superb strike, energizing the home crowd.
Before halftime, the momentum swung decidedly toward Al-Ittihad, thanks to Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn, who netted just before the break, putting his team up 2-1. Following the intermission, Bergwijn continued to shine, scoring again at the 51st minute to extend the lead to 3-1.
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, capped off the exciting performance with his brilliant goal at the 87th minute. After receiving a well-placed corner from his compatriot Moussa Diaby, Benzema executed a stunning volley with his right foot, leaving the Al-Hilal goalkeeper utterly helpless. This goal not only sealed the match but also served as Benzema’s 16th goal of the season, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the league’s top scorer.
“A superb volley of the right foot on an outgoing corner kicked by his compatriot and international Moussa Diaby,” captured the spirit of Benzema’s exceptional play throughout the match. This moment not only emphasized his skill but also highlighted how Al-Ittihad has become increasingly reliant on their captain as the season progresses.
Statistics reveal the depth of Benzema's contribution; he has now scored 16 goals through just 18 matches this season, maintaining incredible consistency and effectiveness on the pitch. Benzema’s latest goal was also his 491st career goal, inching him closer to the historic milestone of 500. On top of this, he has now scored during six of his last seven outings, reaffirming his status as one of the game’s elite forwards.
After this decisive win, Al-Ittihad currently sits at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 55 points, confidently holding off Al-Hilal's attempts to challenge for the title, now at 48 points. Following the match, team captain Benzema expressed satisfaction with the result and the performance of his teammates, who showed resolve and determination after initially falling behind.
“This masterpiece allowed Al Ittihad to impose itself 4-1 and consolidate its lead in the championship,” spoke of the monumental impact this victory has in the broader scope of the league. Coach Laurent Blanc’s strategy has evidently been paying off, as his team continues to display both skill and cohesion on the field.
While dreams of the championship are quickly slipping away for Al-Hilal, they will need to find their rhythm soon if they hope to pose any threat to Al-Ittihad’s lead. The coming weeks present both teams with opportunities and challenges as the season nears its climax.
With Benzema and his teammates performing at such high levels, Al-Ittihad's momentum appears unstoppable. This impressive victory over their rival not only confirms their capabilities but also keeps them firmly on track for the championship, fortifying their status within Saudi football.