Al-Eittihad hit Al-Hilal 4-1 to open a seven-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League, with Steven Bergwijn and Karim Benzema under the goals.
Bergwijn scored twice when the men of Laurent Blanc destroyed an early shortage to claim an explanation at King Abdullah Sport City, so she marked as title favorites.
Al-Hilal-Die was unbeaten during the winning of the title last season when Marcos Leonardo became the cross home of Joao Annulso home in the 23rd minute.
But that benefit lasted only six minutes as Hassan Kadish was similar, after which Bergwijn set Al-Eittihad with 2-1 with a powerful finish on the peace of the tranquility.
Bergwijn made it 3-1 after having occurred by N'Golo Kante early in the second half, and despite the fact that the possession of Al-Hilal was bosse and 16 shots to the five of the hosts, there was more woe to be coming For the champions late.
Benzema met the deep corner of Moussa Diaby with an instinctive volley in the 86th minute and found the top right corner to kill every slender hope for an al-Hilal comeback.
#Saudi_roshn_league #alittihad_alhilalcongratulations tigers pic.twitter.com/psfppkbjjt
-Al-ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) 22 February 2025
Data Debrief: Benzema corresponds to Ronaldo
Benzema's late strike was the icing on the cake for al-ittihad when they won their fourth consecutive victory, and their 15th in their last 17 league matches (one draw, one defeat).
The goal of the Frenchman was his 16th in the Saudi -Pro League this season and attracted a level with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the score cards.
Benzema needs two fewer performances than Ronaldo to touch that brand, and also did this from a lower expected goals (XG) (13.1 to Ronaldos 16.6) and with a better shot conversion (21.6% to 18%) .
Al-Hilal has now won only one of their last five league games (two draws, two defeats) after winning their previous five in a row.
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