Al Ittihad seal title with comeback win at Al Raed | OneFootball

Al Ittihad are Roshn Saudi League champions for the second time in three seasons after the Jeddah club sealed the title at Al Raed on Thursday night.

Laurent Blanc’s men came from behind to triumph 3-1 in Buraidah and claim the top-flight trophy with two rounds to spare.

The victory lifted Al Ittihad nine points clear at the summit, meaning Al Hilal could match them on points but would still lose out because of their inferior head-to-head record.

Heading into the game at King Abdullah Sports City knowing a win would clinch the title, Al Ittihad’s potential celebrations were put on ice on nine minutes when Oumar Gonzalez struck for Al Raed.

However, Al Ittihad drew level midway through the first half, courtesy of Abdulrahman Al Obud’s enterprise on the right before the Saudi midfielder squared to Steven Bergwjin, who side-footed home.

Within five minutes, Al Ittihad had the lead. This time, Unai Hernandez sent a corner from the left for defender Danilo Pereira to head past Andre Moreira in the Al Raed goal.

Al Ittihad captain Karim Benzema celebrates winning 2024-25 RSL title

Al Ittihad, who had captain Karim Benzema watching in the stands, made safe the result two minutes into the second half. Turning provider, Bergwijn chipped the ball through Al Raed’s packed defence, leaving Al Obud to scramble his effort over the line.

At the final whistle, the Al Ittihad players erupted in celebration, with Benzema and Moussa Diaby soon joining their jubilant players on the pitch, who were all soon donning “Champions 2025” t-shirts.