Al Hilal strengthen Saudi Pro League lead as Al Ittihad face defensive and disciplinary questions

Al Hilal emerged from a heated Saudi Pro League classic with a 3-2 victory over Al Ittihad, extending their lead at the top of the table while handing their opponents a first league defeat of the season.

The result moved Al Hilal on to 21 points, four clear of Al Ittihad, and provided an important boost for manager Simone Inzaghi after a period of criticism. Beating a direct rival in a match played under considerable pressure also gave the leaders renewed confidence as the title race develops.

However, the game exposed weaknesses as well as strengths for both sides. Al Hilal’s attacking players made the difference, with Gabriel Martinelli, Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville all contributing to the outcome. Yet the champions were unable to keep Al Ittihad at bay, conceding twice and facing sustained pressure in the closing stages.

Steven Bergwijn’s penalty in the 89th minute reduced the deficit and ensured a tense finish. Inzaghi can take encouragement from the victory, but the defensive balance of his side remains an area requiring attention.

Al Ittihad must address defensive problems

For Al Ittihad, the defeat ended a previously unbeaten start to their league campaign and left them four points behind Al Hilal. Their main concern was the space allowed in the defensive line, along with individual errors that enabled their opponents to create and convert opportunities.

Those issues will leave Jens Vejcing needing to review his team’s defensive positioning and the way it protects the areas behind the full-backs. The loss was particularly damaging because it came against a direct competitor in the race for the title.

Al Ittihad did, though, show they retain an attacking threat despite falling behind. Youssef En-Nesyri helped bring them back into the contest before Bergwijn’s late penalty gave them hope of completing a comeback. That response provides Vejcing with positives to build on, although the defensive mistakes ultimately proved costly.

Tensions continue after final whistle

The controversy did not end when the match finished. Al Ittihad players confronted referee Khalid Al-Tres after objecting to the timing of the final whistle, which came after a delay in taking a throw-in during the closing seconds.

The situation escalated as several Al Ittihad players protested, with goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic appearing to attempt to confront the referee. Security personnel intervened to bring the incident under control.

The post-match events could now create an additional problem for Al Ittihad. The incident may be reviewed by the relevant authorities on the basis of the match reports, with disciplinary action possible against those involved if the official accounts support it.

Al Hilal therefore leave the classic with both a stronger position at the top of the table and renewed belief, while Al Ittihad must correct their defensive shortcomings and manage the aftermath of the confrontation to prevent the defeat from developing into a wider setback.