Derby Drama and a Golden Moment: Why Al Ahli Outshone Al Ittihad in Jeddah
7 March 2026
Derby Drama: Al Ahli Edge Ittihad in a Jeddah Showdown
In a hotly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash, Al Ahli showcased a sharper technical edge over their derby rivals Al Ittihad, delivering a 3-1 victory at the Enma Stadium. The result underscored the hosts’ current form and reinforced the perceived gap between the two sides this season.
Former Al Ahli legend Hussein Abdelghani emphasized the technical differences between “the Red Knights” and their neighbors, noting that the disparity has become evident as the campaign has progressed. The verdict came after a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats and reminded everyone why this derby remains one of Saudi football’s biggest spectacles.
Speaking on the program Nadina on MBC 1, Abdelghani described the win as well-deserved for Ahli, insisting that the gap with Ittihad is not a recent anomaly but a trend visible from the start of the season. He praised the visitors for their initial resilience, but stressed that the hosts grew into the game and never let momentum slip for long.
Coach Matias Jaissle’s influence was highlighted as a key factor behind the Derby’s outcome. Abdelghani noted that Ittihad’s equalizer was met with a swift, decisive reaction from the league leaders, a sign of a champion’s mentality taking root within Ahli’s ranks.
The narrative was crowned by Riyad Mahrez’s wonder strike, a goal described as “golden” by the broadcaster and fans alike. His finish, coming at a crucial moment after Ittihad had drawn level, underscored his value and the level of technical quality Ahli now routinely brings to big games.
As the league table stands, Ahli sit atop Saudi Pro League with 62 points, a single point ahead of both Al Nasr and Al Hilal. Al Nassr still have a fixture against Neom, keeping the title race tantalizingly open as the season heads into its decisive stretch.
Punchline: If precision were a sport, today Ahli would be Olympic shooters—every shot on target, even the ones you didn’t expect. Punchline 2: In this derby, even the net looked surprised and paid the bill for the fireworks.
