Houssam Aouar Ends 400-Minute Drought in the Saudi Derby, Sinks Al Hilal

Match recap

Algerian midfielder Houssam Aouar, of Al Ittihad, finally broke his drought in the clásico against archrivals Al Hilal after more than 400 minutes.

Aouar opened the scoring for Al Ittihad with a header in the 53rd minute at Kingdom Arena, in round 23 of the Saudi Pro League.

The Algerian's goal came in the 53rd minute from a precise cross by Mohanned Al-Shanqiti, heading it home.

It was his first against Al Hilal since moving to the club in summer 2024 from Roma.

Since then, the Algerian has featured in four matches against Hilal, totaling 355 minutes, without scoring or assisting.

The opening goal finally ended that drought in the 53rd minute, meaning Aouar needed more than 400 minutes to score against the Leader.

This one finally put a smile on the bench.

Fans will hope the drought remains broken in future derbies.

Impact and context

The breakthrough completes a long wait for a player who had previously struggled against Hilal, often checked by a tight defense and the occasion's intensity.

With this goal, Al Ittihad secure a valuable victory in a high-stakes Saudi Pro League clash, raising expectations for future meetings between the giants.