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Spirit Missing, Stakes Rising: Pundit Blasts Al-Ittihad After Damac Draw

13 January 2026

Spirit Missing, Stakes Rising: Pundit Blasts Al-Ittihad After Damac Draw
Pundit argues Al-Ittihad lost spirit after the 1-1 draw.

Saudi TV host slams Al-Ittihad after setback.

Sports pundit Walid Al-Faraj slammed Al-Ittihad after they stumbled into a draw with Damac, arguing the team had lost its spirit and cost itself a chance to join the top of the Roshn Saudi Pro League.

What it means for the title race

The clash ended 1-1 at Prince Sultan Stadium in Al-Muhala, in the fifteenth round.

He said the two points dropped would cost them dearly on his show Action with Walid on MBC Action, summing up the moment.

Al-Ittihad currently sits on 27 points, and 29 would have widened the gap from the leaders, keeping the title chase away from Al-Hilal.

Late drama reminder

The pundit added that he has long associated Al-Ittihad with spirit and bite, yet in the final ten minutes against Damac, it looked as if the players were not chasing victory, and the late stages lacked urgency.

He urged viewers to compare with other late drama, noting that in the final five minutes of the Al-Ahli vs. Al-Taawoun game, the loser fights to snatch an equalizer regardless of the scoreboard.

Finally, Al-Faraj said he was not sure whether the atmosphere was cooling the players, but Damac looked ready to make something happen, unlike Al-Ittihad, especially after the break.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score and where did the match take place?

The game finished 1-1 at Prince Sultan Stadium in Al-Muhala.

What did the pundit say about Al-Ittihad's performance?

He argued the team lacked fighting spirit in the closing minutes and cost themselves two points.

How many points did Al-Ittihad have and what could it have been?

They had 27 points; a win would have given them 29 and widened the gap to the leaders.