JEDDAH —The Sea Derby – one of the fiercest rivalries in Saudi football – lived up to its billing on Saturday night as Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad played out a breathtaking 2-2 draw in front of a sold-out King Abdullah Sports City.
With the stands split in green and yellow, the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle to the final roar, with flares, drums, and deafening chants creating a setting worthy of the occasion.
An atmosphere like no other. Jeddah Derby, on Saturday (Photo courtesy: Al-Ahli Saudi official website)
Beyond the local bragging rights, the match carried weighty implications for the Saudi Pro League title race. Al-Ahli, determined to keep pace with the leaders, looked the more composed side for much of the night, while Al-Ittihad – still trying to rediscover their championship form – fought with grit and heart, despite missing key players.
It was Al-Ahli who struck first in the 51st minute, when Roger Ibanez powered home a header from a Riyad Mahrez corner, igniting the home support. But Al-Ittihad responded with spirit and precision. In the 74th minute, Moussa Diaby finished off a slick move, assisted by substitute Saleh Al-Shehri, to make it 1-1.
Then came a late twist – or so it seemed. In the 82nd minute, Ivan Toney’s shot took a heavy deflection off Danilo, leaving the keeper rooted as the ball nestled in the net to give Al-Ittihad a dramatic 2-1 lead.
But the Sea Derby wasn’t done.
In the 94th minute, with Al-Ahli pouring forward, Karim Benzema – quiet for much of the match – ghosted into space and guided home a brilliant low cross from Abdulelah Al-Amri to rescue a point in true derby fashion. It was a gut-punch for Al-Ahli and a lifeline for Al-Ittihad, who once again proved they are never out of a match.
Table Implications
The draw keeps Al-Ittihad firmly in the title race, sitting top of the table with 62 points after 26 games. Despite conceding late, they remain unbeaten in five and are the most consistent team this spring. Al-Hilal trail by five points in second, while Al-Nassr remain in third on 54 points after slipping recently.
Saudi Top 5
Al-Ittihad – 62 pts
Al-Hilal – 57 pts
Al-Nassr – 54 pts
Al-Qadsiah – 52 pts
Al-Ahli – 49 pts
Stoppage-Time Specialists
Benzema's equalizer marked Al-Ittihad’s 7th stoppage-time goal of the season, further cementing their reputation as masters of late drama – a quality that could prove decisive in the title run-in.
