Al-Ittihad, led by captain Karim Benzema, sealed the Saudi Pro League title on Thursday with a 3-1 comeback victory over Al-Raed, clinching the championship with two games to spare.
The win moved Al-Ittihad to 77 points from 32 matches, putting them nine points clear of second-placed Al-Hilal. It marked the club’s 10th league title and their first since 2023, underlining a successful campaign under coach Laurent Blanc.
Despite already being relegated, Al-Raed stunned the league leaders early on when Omar Gonzalez opened the scoring in the 9th minute, finishing from close range. But the setback was short-lived as Al-Ittihad responded with determination. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn levelled the score in the 21st minute, and Danilo Pereira’s powerful header just before halftime gave them the lead.
Just two minutes after the restart, Abdulrahman Al-Oboud added a third goal, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback from Al-Raed and triggering celebrations among Al-Ittihad supporters.
With the league title secured, the Jeddah-based club now turns its focus to a potential domestic double. They are set to face Al-Qadsiah in the King’s Cup final on May 30, aiming to cap off an already triumphant season.
The victory is a testament to Al-Ittihad’s consistency and resilience throughout the season, with key contributions from both seasoned internationals like Benzema and local stars. For Blanc, it marks a successful return to club management, as he delivers silverware and rejuvenates one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic football clubs.
