Unbeaten Run Continues: Al-Ittihad Stifles Al-Shabab in Saudi Pro League Showdown

Match Report

Al-Ittihad Jeddah continued its flawless run in the Saudi Pro League after the international break, defeating Al-Shabab 2-0 on Saturday, during the 11th round, as fans celebrated another solid performance at home tonight.

With this win, Al-Ittihad reached 17 points, climbing to sixth place, while Al-Shabab stayed on 8 points in 13th, after a disciplined performance.

According to Opta, Al-Ittihad has avoided defeat in its last 26 league matches following international breaks, registering 17 victories and 9 draws, with run including several home games and tough away tests.

The last league defeat after the international break dates back to the encounter with Al-Wehda (0-1) in October 2019 season.

Opta also noted that Al-Ittihad ended Al-Shabab's four-match unbeaten streak after international breaks. Momentum swung with disciplined defense and a second win against them this season.

Previously, the two teams clashed three times after international breaks, with Al-Shabab winning once and drawing twice, before suffering a first defeat to Al-Ittihad since the national-team interruptions that halted their momentum globally.

Notably, this was Al-Ittihad's second win over Al-Shabab this season, after overcoming them 4-1 in the King's Cup quarterfinal on November 29, and set sights higher.

Punchline: Their defense clamped down so tight the scoreboard filed a restraining order.

Punchline: If consistency were a player, Al-Ittihad would win every league—no international break needed.