Ittihad Stuns Riyadh 2-1 in Jeddah as Conceição Secures First Domestic Triumph

Match Snapshot

Al Ittihad defeated Riyadh 2-1 on Friday night at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, as the Saudi Pro League’s ninth round unfolded.

Under Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição, Ittihad claimed their first domestic win with him at the helm, succeeding Laurent Blanc.

The goals came from Karim Benzema in the 24th minute and an own goal off Mohammed Al-Khubairi in the 42nd, while Mamadou Siila struck for Riyadh in the 77th minute.

With this result, Al Ittihad sit seventh with 14 points, eight points behind leaders Al Nassr who have a game in hand; Riyadh remain 13th with 8 points.

Key Moments

Ahmed Al-Ghamdi started for the first time this season to cover for Algeria’s Houssem Aouar. The XI featured Raiković in goal; defense of Mohannad Al-Shenqiti, Danilo Pereira, Mario Mitai and Hassan Kadsh; midfield with Kanté, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, and Fabinho; and a forward line of Mousa Diaby, Karim Benzema, and Steven Bergwijn.

Early play favored the visitors as Benzema and teammates looked to press from the outset. In the 8th minute, a patient buildup culminated in Raiković making a key save as Riyadh’s goalkeeper Boryan denied the first goal for the hosts. By the 18th minute, Ittihad continued to push, but Riyadh’s defense held firm.

In the 24th minute Benzema converted a smart cross from Diaby to open the scoring, rising highest to plant the ball in the net. Ittihad’s left flank, led by Mario Mitai, continued to threaten; a powerful effort in the 28th minute skimmed the bar as the defense scrambled.

Moments of pressure persisted, and in the 42nd minute a misfortune for Riyadh led to a second goal for Ittihad as Mohammed Al-Khubairi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net from a cross by Kanté.

Second half saw Riyadh push back with intent, and in the 47th minute Kanté recovered possession and fed Benzema who delivered a dangerous cross narrowly deflected by the Ghamdi header over the bar.

In the 73rd minute Musa Diaby received a red card after a dangerous challenge without the ball, reducing Ittihad to ten men and heightening the visitors’ pressure.

Riyadh pulled a goal back in the 77th minute when Yahya Al-Shahri delivered a precise cross for Mamadou Siila to finish from close range, giving the visitors hope of a late comeback.

With the clock ticking, Conceição made changes to strengthen the defense, and Ittihad held on to claim the win as the referee’s whistle signaled full time.

Lineups and Aftermath

The Portuguese coach opted for Ahmed Al-Ghamdi in the starting XI for the first time this season to compensate for Houssem Aouar’s absence. The lineup consisted of Raiković; defense: Mohannad Al-Shenqiti, Danilo Pereira, Mario Mitai, Hassan Kadsh; midfield: Kanté, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Fabinho; forwards: Mousa Diaby, Karim Benzema, Steven Bergwijn.

The opening half displayed United-like control from Ittihad, while the second frame tested the defense as Riyadh sought to overturn the deficit. Ittihad sit seventh with 14 points, eight behind the leader, and Riyadh remain 13th with eight points.

Substitutions in the closing stages saw Abdulrahman Al-Aboud and Adnan Al-Naashri enter for Ittihad to help preserve the lead, which they did as the final whistle blew.

Punchline 1: If defending were a dessert, Riyadh handed out the leftovers and Ittihad took the whole cake.

Punchline 2: Benzema did the heavy lifting; Kanté probably just carried the bench, and the coach will sleep easier tonight with three points and a mug of victory coffee.