Karim Benzema took a goal and an assist to lead Al-Eittihad to a comeback 3-2 victory on Al-Etifaq, a result that brought them six points clearly on the Saudi Pro League Summit.
Al-Hilal, who is second in the rankings, could only manage a 2-2 draw against Al-Shabab earlier in the day, with the Laurent Blanc side made full use of their meeting.
But they had to come from behind in the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, after Vitinho had brought the visitors on the clock with just five minutes.
Al-Eittihad, however, responded quickly, with Danilo Pereira who shot Benzemema's ball at the rear post, just six minutes later.
Benzema then took advantage of a defensive error from Al-Shabab, ran on goal before he squeezed his shot along Marek Rodak, who received a touch of the Frenchman's strike.
AL-STIHAD entered the half-time interval with an advantage of two goals; Houssem Aouar collects the smart pass from Moussa Diaby in the box, before he reefogists the ball in the bottom corner.
Pereira made things somewhat nervy for al-ittihad when he changed in his own net, but could hold the hosts to seal a crucial victory in the race for the title.
#Saudi_roshn_league#alittihad_alettifaqcongratulations tigers pic.twitter.com/nbpc5ar5dt
-Al-ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) April 21, 2025
Al-Hilal now has five games to try to claw the six-point deficiency to Al-Eittihad who has dropped more points in this crucial phase of the campaign.
The Jorge Jesus team had only picked up three points of their last three games on their way to the game and was early in the back of the Kingdom Arena.
The tricky run of Daniel Podence from the right side ended with a brilliant finish, the former Wolves midfielder crashes the ball in the upper corner with his left foot.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, however, attracted al-Hilal level in the 31st minute and gathered Salem Al Dawsari Cute Pass around the corner before he ended up with Abdullah Al Muaiouf.
Al-Hilal needed only a minute after the break to take the lead. Al Dawsari was again involved; This time you choose the corner at the bottom right with a composed strike.
But Mohammed Al Shwirekh led 2-Shabab level 22 minutes of time and rises the highest to the Power Cristian Guanca's teasing corner episode in the back of the net.
Ft. #Hilsha pic.twitter.com/ti4ckdtc44
– alhilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_en) April 21, 2025
Data Debrief: 50 for Benzema
Benzema is a sensational signing for Al-Eittihad since he became a member of Real Madrid, with his last display for the Saudi Pro League side that proves that he still has enough to give.
The 37-year-old has now reached 50 target statements for Al-Eittihad in 58 performances in all matches (33 goals, 17 assists), and he was the striking player on Monday.
He ended the competition with more shots (seven) and touches in the opposition box (seven), while only Aouar and Diaby (both three) created more opportunities than Benzema (two).