When the Derby Strikes Back: Al Ittihad Hit by Fresh Setback in the Saudi Clasico
21 February 2026
Match context
Al Ittihad were hit by a fresh setback in the Saudi Clasico against Al Hilal as the 23rd round of the Roshen Pro League unfolded on Saturday.
In the ninth minute, Hassan Kadsh, Al Ittihad's defender, was sent off after a challenge on Brazilian Malcolm de Oliveira.
In the 72nd minute of the second half, Ahmed Sharahili, also an Al Ittihad defender, suffered a sudden injury, collapsed and prompted the medical staff to come on.
Key moments
After treatment, he tried to push through but could not and asked to come off, prompting coach Sergio Conceicao to make a substitution.
Conceicao then brought in his teammate Awad Al-Nasher to midfield, while Fabinho moved to center-back beside Danilo Pereira.
And that, folks, is football: where the scoreboard writes tragedies and the medical staff write the happy ending—mostly with spare band-aids and a yellow card for the manager’s optimism.
As for the next clash, keep your parabolic magnets ready: even gravity takes a break when this derby drags itself to the finish line. Now go check the highlights; I promise the popcorn will be tastier than the injuries.
