Al-Taawoun Upsets Al-Ittihad, Opening Up the Roshn Saudi League Title Race
In a surprising turn of events, Al-Taawoun emerged victorious with a 2-1 score against Al-Ittihad on Wednesday, shaking up the title race in the Roshn Saudi League. Fine goals from Fahad Al-Rashidi in each half sealed the win for Al-Taawoun, leaving the league leaders stunned and the competition wide open.
Despite the defeat, Al-Ittihad maintains a three-point lead over second-placed Al-Nassr, with both teams having five games remaining. The chasing team holds a slightly better goal difference, intensifying the competition as every match becomes crucial.
Having won 11 out of their previous 12 matches, the Tigers entered the game against Al-Taawoun in Buraidah with the hopes of taking a significant step towards their first title since 2009. However, against all odds, they stumbled to their second loss of the season, evoking memories of their previous season's collapse when they squandered a commanding lead to Al-Hilal. The pressure is mounting for Al-Ittihad.
Al-Taawoun displayed an impressive performance, taking the lead in the 16th minute. Patience and precise passing led to Saad Al-Nasser's seventh pass finding Al-Rashidi, who outmaneuvered Ahmed Hegazi on the edge of the box. With skill and agility, Al-Rashidi controlled the ball perfectly and unleashed a rising first-time shot past Marcelo Grohe.
While the goal showcased Al-Taawoun's quality, it also raised concerns for Al-Ittihad, as they conceded for the third consecutive game despite boasting one of the league's tightest defenses.
Al-Ittihad had their opportunities, with the in-form Hamdallah missing a close-range shot from a right-sided cross. Hegazi headed a corner over the bar, and Mailson made a couple of saves before exiting the field due to injury just before halftime.
Although Al-Ittihad dominated possession and had more shots at the break, the only statistic that mattered was the scoreline, leaving them with a lot of ground to make up.
The second half saw Al-Taawoun mostly defending, with substitute goalkeeper Raghid Al-Najjar immediately making a fantastic diving save to deny Romarinho. Despite Al-Taawoun's resolute defense, the referee awarded a free-kick instead of a penalty after reviewing a VAR decision.
In the middle of the second half, Al-Rashidi struck again for Al-Taawoun. Receiving a pass from Saad Yaslam just outside the box, he managed to bend the ball past Grohe's outstretched hand and into the corner of the net, further increasing their lead.
Al-Ittihad, their fans, and coach Nuno Santo were left stunned, especially since this was the first time they had conceded more than one goal all season. They intensified their attacks, and in the 76th minute, Hamdallah's goal set the stage for a thrilling finish. The Moroccan demonstrated his anticipation skills by drifting to the far post in a crowded area, converting Ahmed Bamasoud's cross from the left.
With 15 minutes of added time, Al-Ittihad threw everything they had into salvaging something from the game. However, despite a chaotic and action-packed period, including some outstanding saves from Al-Najjar, they couldn't find an equalizer. The hosts ended the match with ten men following a late red card for Turki Al-Mutairi.
When the dust settles from this intense clash, Al-Ittihad will remind themselves of their three-point lead at the top.