Saudi Pro League 2024-25: Al Ittihad Triumph 4-1 Over Al Hilal in Title-Deciding Clash.
Match Overview
On February 22, 2025, Al Ittihad delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over defending champions Al Hilal at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, solidifying their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) 2024-25 standings.
The match, billed as a potential title-decider, saw Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema lead Al Ittihad with a stunning goal in the 86th minute, extending their lead to seven points over Al Hilal with 13 matches remaining. Under the guidance of manager Laurent Blanc, Al Ittihad’s blend of new signings like Moussa Diaby and Steven Bergwijn, alongside Benzema’s clinical finishing, overwhelmed Al Hilal’s star-studded attack led by Marcos Leonardo. The result marked a significant step toward Al Ittihad reclaiming the SPL title they last won in 2023, while Al Hilal’s title defense suffered a major setback in front of 62,345 passionate fans.
Pre-Match Context
The Saudi Pro League has transformed into a global football powerhouse, with its market value soaring from €314 million to €1.02 billion over the last two years, fueled by blockbuster signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. Al Ittihad, valued at €119.38 million, entered the match as league leaders, four points ahead of Al Hilal (€178.50 million), the defending champions who clinched a record-extending 19th title in 2023-24.
The clash, dubbed the Saudi El Clasico, carried immense weight, with Al Ittihad aiming to capitalize on their strong start under Laurent Blanc, appointed in 2024 after a trophyless fifth-place finish last season. Al Hilal, managed by Jorge Jesus, boasted a potent attack led by Marcos Leonardo but faced pressure after dropping points in recent matches. The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah’s iconic venue, set the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
Team Lineups and Tactical Setup
Al Ittihad deployed a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, with Predrag Rajković in goal, a backline of Fawaz Al Yami, Saad Al Mousa, Danilo Pereira, and Suad Kadesh, and a midfield pivot of N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho. The attacking quartet featured Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, Steven Bergwijn, and Karim Benzema as the lone striker. Al Hilal lined up in a 4-3-3, with Yassine Bono in goal, a defense of Miteb Al Harbi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al Bulayhi, and Nasser Al Dawsari, and a midfield of Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Malcom. The front three comprised Kaio, Marcos Leonardo, and Salem Al Dawsari. Al Ittihad’s setup allowed for quick transitions and defensive solidity, while Al Hilal’s formation emphasized attacking width and midfield creativity.
First Half: Al Ittihad’s Dominance Takes Shape
The match began with both teams showcasing their attacking intent, but Al Ittihad’s high press and clinical finishing set them apart. The first half saw three goals, with Al Ittihad capitalizing on their opportunities while Al Hilal struggled to match their intensity.
Al Hilal’s Early Strike (10th Minute)
Al Hilal struck first, catching Al Ittihad off guard in the 10th minute. A swift counter-attack led by Malcom saw Marcos Leonardo finish clinically past Rajković after a precise through ball from Rúben Neves. The goal, Leonardo’s 14th of the season, silenced the Jeddah crowd momentarily and highlighted Al Hilal’s attacking threat. The early lead suggested Al Hilal could control the game, but Al Ittihad’s response was swift and decisive.
Al Ittihad’s Equalizer (20th Minute)
Al Ittihad leveled the score in the 20th minute through Moussa Diaby. A well-orchestrated move saw N’Golo Kanté intercept a loose pass from Milinković-Savić, feeding Houssem Aouar, who played a pinpoint ball to Diaby. The former Aston Villa winger outpaced Koulibaly and slotted the ball past Bono, making it 1-1. Diaby’s goal, his 12th assist or goal involvement of the season, underscored his importance to Al Ittihad’s attack and lifted the home crowd.
Al Ittihad Take the Lead (35th Minute)
In the 35th minute, Steven Bergwijn put Al Ittihad ahead with a moment of individual brilliance. Collecting the ball on the left flank, Bergwijn cut inside Al Bulayhi and curled a stunning shot into the top corner, leaving Bono with no chance. The goal, assisted by Fabinho’s long ball, marked Bergwijn’s ninth goal in 18 SPL matches, showcasing his red-hot form since joining from Ajax. Al Ittihad’s 2-1 lead reflected their dominance, with 60% possession and six shots (three on target) compared to Al Hilal’s three shots (one on target).
Al Ittihad’s Third Goal (42nd Minute)
Al Ittihad extended their lead just before halftime through a set-piece. Houssem Aouar’s corner found Danilo Pereira, who rose above Al Dawsari to head the ball into the net. The goal, Pereira’s first of the season, exposed Al Hilal’s vulnerability to aerial duels and highlighted Al Ittihad’s set-piece prowess. At 3-1, Al Ittihad went into the break in control, with their high press and quick transitions overwhelming Al Hilal’s defense.
Second Half: Benzema Seals the Victory
The second half saw Al Hilal push for a comeback, but Al Ittihad’s defensive resilience and Benzema’s late strike ensured a comprehensive victory. Al Hilal’s increased intensity was met with disciplined defending and clinical finishing from the hosts.
Al Hilal’s Missed Opportunities
Al Hilal started the second half brightly, with Marcos Leonardo nearly pulling one back in the 50th minute, but his header from Al Dawsari’s cross was saved by Rajković. Rúben Neves tested Rajković with a long-range effort in the 60th minute, but the Serbian goalkeeper stood firm. Al Hilal’s 65% possession in the first 15 minutes of the second half showed their intent, but Al Ittihad’s backline, led by Kanté’s relentless work rate and Pereira’s aerial dominance, held firm. A controversial moment came in the 65th minute when Al Hilal were denied a penalty after Leonardo went down under pressure from Al Mousa, with VAR upholding the referee’s decision.
Benzema’s Clincher (86th Minute)
The match’s defining moment came in the 86th minute, as Karim Benzema sealed Al Ittihad’s victory with a stunning goal. Receiving a pass from Steven Bergwijn, Benzema danced past Koulibaly and Al Bulayhi before rifling a shot into the top corner. The goal, his 16th of the season, sent the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium into raptures and effectively ended Al Hilal’s hopes. Benzema’s performance, which also included seven assists in the season, underscored his status as the SPL’s top scorer alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Laurent Blanc later praised his star striker: “Karim scoring goals is no surprise. I’m lucky to have a player like him.”
Late Chances and Defensive Resolve
Al Hilal pushed for a consolation in the final minutes, with substitute Aleksandar Mitrović forcing a save from Rajković in the 90th minute. Al Ittihad, however, remained composed, with Kanté and Fabinho breaking up play in midfield. A late chance for Diaby was thwarted by Bono, but Al Ittihad’s 4-1 lead was secure. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the home fans, who chanted Blanc’s name, recognizing the significance of the victory in the title race.
Key Performances
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad): His 86th-minute stunner was the match-winner, earning him Player of the Match. His 16 goals and seven assists in 17 matches highlight his pivotal role.
Moussa Diaby (Al Ittihad): Scored the equalizer and provided 11 assists this season, showcasing his flair and creativity.
Steven Bergwijn (Al Ittihad): His 35th-minute golazo and assist for Benzema underlined his red-hot form, with nine goals and six assists in 18 games.
N’Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad): His tireless work in midfield disrupted Al Hilal’s rhythm, making him the unsung hero of the victory.
Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal): Scored the opener but faded as Al Ittihad’s defense tightened, though his 14 goals remain a threat.
Yassine Bono (Al Hilal): Made key saves but couldn’t prevent Al Ittihad’s clinical finishing, conceding four goals.
Danilo Pereira (Al Ittihad): His header and defensive solidity were crucial, marking a standout performance.
Tactical Analysis
Al Ittihad’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed for fluidity, with Diaby and Bergwijn exploiting the flanks and Kanté and Fabinho providing a robust midfield shield. Their high press disrupted Al Hilal’s build-up, forcing errors from Neves and Milinković-Savić.
Al Hilal’s 4-3-3 relied on Leonardo’s finishing and Al Dawsari’s width, but their defense struggled against Al Ittihad’s pace and set-piece threat. Blanc’s tactical adjustments, including dropping Aouar deeper in the second half, ensured Al Ittihad maintained control. Al Hilal’s high possession (58% overall) was ineffective due to Al Ittihad’s compact shape and quick transitions, with Benzema’s finishing proving the difference.
Match Statistics
Possession: Al Ittihad 42%, Al Hilal 58%
Shots: Al Ittihad 15 (7 on target), Al Hilal 12 (4 on target)
Corners: Al Ittihad 5, Al Hilal 6
Fouls: Al Ittihad 12, Al Hilal 14
Expected Goals (xG): Al Ittihad 2.8, Al Hilal 1.6
Pass Accuracy: Al Ittihad 82%, Al Hilal 88%
Milestones and Records
Al Ittihad’s Statement Win: The 4-1 victory was their largest margin against Al Hilal since 2009 and strengthened their title bid.
Benzema’s Scoring Run: His 16th goal tied him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the SPL Golden Boot lead.
Neves’ Rare Blank: Al Hilal’s Rúben Neves failed to register a goal or assist against Al Ittihad for the first time this season.
Al Ittihad’s Set-Piece Prowess: Pereira’s goal was their eighth from a set piece, the most in the SPL.
Post-Match Reactions
Laurent Blanc hailed his team’s performance: “This was a huge game for us and the fans. We played with heart and quality to beat a strong opponent.” He praised Benzema: “Karim is a gift for any coach. His goals and leadership drive us.” Karim Benzema, speaking to SSC Sports, remained cautious: “It was an important win, but there are many matches left. We must keep working.” Al Hilal’s Jorge Jesus acknowledged Al Ittihad’s superiority: “They were clinical, and we weren’t. We need to regroup and fight back.” The Jeddah crowd’s chants of “Blanc’s Tigers” reflected the growing belief in Al Ittihad’s title charge.
Controversies and VAR Decisions
The match wasn’t without controversy. Al Hilal’s penalty appeal in the 65th minute, when Marcos Leonardo went down, was waved away, with replays showing minimal contact from Al Mousa. A disallowed Al Hilal goal in the 70th minute for an offside on Mitrović sparked debate, though VAR confirmed the call. Al Ittihad’s third goal also faced scrutiny, with Al Hilal claiming a foul in the build-up, but the referee’s decision stood. These moments added to the intensity of the Saudi El Clasico but didn’t alter Al Ittihad’s dominance.
Saudi Pro League Context
Al Ittihad’s victory extended their lead to seven points, with 17 wins from 21 matches. Their remaining fixtures, including nine against non-top-five teams, position them as favorites to win their 10th SPL title. Al Hilal, with 15 wins, face an uphill battle to defend their crown, especially after dropping points in recent weeks. The SPL’s rise, fueled by stars like Benzema, Ronaldo, and Neymar, continues to elevate its global profile, with this match showcasing its competitive intensity. Elsewhere, Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-1 win over Al Ettifaq, keeping them in third place.
Looking Ahead
Al Ittihad’s emphatic win strengthens their title credentials, with upcoming matches against relegation-threatened Al Fateh and Al Akhdoud offering a chance to consolidate their lead. Al Hilal must regroup quickly, with a crucial clash against Al Nassr looming after the international break. The performances of Benzema, Diaby, and Bergwijn for Al Ittihad, and Leonardo for Al Hilal, will be pivotal in the title race. The transfer window, closing on March 2, 2025, could see further reinforcements, with Al Ittihad linked to a move for a new centre-back to bolster their defense.
Al Ittihad’s 4-1 demolition of Al Hilal was a defining moment in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season, showcasing their attacking flair and defensive resilience. Benzema’s late strike, Diaby’s dynamism, and Bergwijn’s brilliance overwhelmed a talented Al Hilal side, whose title defense now hangs by a thread. Laurent Blanc’s tactical acumen and Al Ittihad’s new signings have transformed them into a formidable force, while Al Hilal’s reliance on Leonardo and Al Dawsari wasn’t enough to match their rivals’ intensity. As the SPL season progresses, this result may prove to be the turning point in Al Ittihad’s quest for glory, cementing their status as the team to beat.
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