Al Ittihad will go into the final seven rounds of the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League with a seven-point lead at the summit after they and Al Hilal registered contrasting results in Matchweek 27.
Already five points clear of the reigning champions, Al Ittihad increased their advantage on Thursday with a 2-0 victory at home to Al Orobah. Goals towards the conclusion of each half sealed the victory, with Spanish youngster Unai Hernandez getting the opener to net for the first time in the RSL.
In-form Saudi Abdulrahman Al Obud then wrapped up the win two minutes from time as Al Ittihad move closer to a second top-flight title in three seasons.
On Friday, Al Hilal had the opportunity to reduce the deficit at the top once more, but were held to a 1-1 draw at a resurgent Al Ettifaq.
To their credit, Jorge Jesus’ side had to rebound from a goal down, when young Brazilian Joao Costa sent a spectacular shot from range past Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bono.
However, the visitors at EGO Stadium ensured they would depart with the point not long before the hour, Malcom meeting Renan Lodi’s cut-back to finish high into the Al Ettifaq net.
Even though they secured the draw, it means Al Hilal have taken three wins from their past nine RSL matches.
