JEDDAH —The Sea Derby – one of the fiercest rivalries in Saudi football – lived up to its billing on Saturday night as Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad played out a breathtaking 2-2 draw in front of a sold-out King Abdullah Sports City.
With the stands split in green and yellow, the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle to the final roar, with flares, drums, and deafening chants creating a setting worthy of the occasion.

An atmosphere like no other. Jeddah Derby, on Saturday (Photo courtesy: Al-Ahli Saudi official website)
Beyond the local bragging rights, the match carried weighty implications for the Saudi Pro League title race. Al-Ahli, determined to keep pace with the leaders, looked the more composed side for much of the night, while Al-Ittihad – still trying to rediscover their championship form – fought with grit and heart, despite missing key players.
It was Al-Ahli who struck first in the 51st minute, when Roger Ibanez powered home a header from a Riyad Mahrez corner, igniting the home support. But Al-Ittihad responded with spirit and precision. In the 74th minute, Moussa Diaby finished off a slick move, assisted by substitute Saleh Al-Shehri, to make it 1-1.
Then came a late twist – or so it seemed. In the 82nd minute, Ivan Toney’s shot took a heavy deflection off Danilo, leaving the keeper rooted as the ball nestled in the net to give Al-Ittihad a dramatic 2-1 lead.
But the Sea Derby wasn’t done.
In the 94th minute, with Al-Ahli pouring forward, Karim Benzema – quiet for much of the match – ghosted into space and guided home a brilliant low cross from Abdulelah Al-Amri to rescue a point in true derby fashion. It was a gut-punch for Al-Ahli and a lifeline for Al-Ittihad, who once again proved they are never out of a match.
Table Implications
The draw keeps Al-Ittihad firmly in the title race, sitting top of the table with 62 points after 26 games. Despite conceding late, they remain unbeaten in five and are the most consistent team this spring. Al-Hilal trail by five points in second, while Al-Nassr remain in third on 54 points after slipping recently.
Saudi Top 5
Al-Ittihad – 62 pts
Al-Hilal – 57 pts
Al-Nassr – 54 pts
Al-Qadsiah – 52 pts
Al-Ahli – 49 pts
Stoppage-Time Specialists
Benzema's equalizer marked Al-Ittihad’s 7th stoppage-time goal of the season, further cementing their reputation as masters of late drama – a quality that could prove decisive in the title run-in.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva crushed Hapoel Tel Aviv 5-1 in the Israeli Cup semifinal, setting up a final clash with Beitar Jerusalem. A report from Jerusalem.
Al-Nassr’s shock loss dents ACL hopes as Al-Ittihad go top, Al-Hilal held in derby, and Al-Ahli thrash Al-Fayha in Saudi Pro League drama.
Asia’s top clubs, led by Al Hilal and Al Sadd, clash in Jeddah as the ACL Elite Finals 2025 promise drama, history, and a new champion.
Oday Dabbagh nets a 118th-minute winner as Aberdeen edge 9-man Hearts 2-1 to reach the Scottish Cup final for the first time since 1990.
Tractor tops Persian Gulf Pro League after win over Malavan, edging closer to first title.
Maccabi Tel Aviv held 1-1 by Maccabi Haifa as Be’er Sheva beat Beitar to reclaim top spot in a thrilling Israeli Premier League night.
Late drama in Turner as Miguel Vitor’s winner lifts Be’er Sheva back to the top, while Beitar rue a costly red card in fiery clash.
Cristiano Ronaldo nets two for Al-Nassr as Al-Ittihad win again to stay top of the Saudi Pro League after Round 27.
Thailand and China will host the AFC U20 and U17 Women’s Asian Cups, aiming to boost youth football development across Asia.
CAF U-20 AFCON 2025 draw is out: Egypt hosts, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana headline tight groups. Top 4 to qualify for FIFA U-20 WC.
Zamalek out, Stellenbosch through! Four clubs set for thrilling CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals starting April 20.
Al Ahly, Pyramids, Sundowns, and Pirates set up all Egypt vs South Africa CAF Champions League semi-finals in April 2025.
Mohamed Salah has extended his Liverpool contract for two more seasons, aiming for more trophies after another prolific season with the Reds.
Omer Atzili's brace leads a dominant performance as Beitar secures a spot in May's championship match, continuing their impressive season.
Liverpool's Egyptian star forward Mohamed Salah is close to signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Anfield through 2027.
AFC kicks off its first Empowering Women in Football Program, advancing diversity and leadership in the Asian football ecosystem.
Brazilian footballer Sofia Sena detained in Israel over visa issues; faces deportation after Ramat HaSharon denies club affiliation.
Al-Ittihad rescue a dramatic 2-2 draw vs Al-Ahli in the Jeddah Derby to stay top of the Saudi Pro League in a fiery title race clash.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace to guide Al-Nassr to a 3-1 victory over Al-Hilal in a highly anticipated derby. All the numbers from CR7's performance inside.
José Mourinho grabs rival coach’s nose after Fenerbahçe’s fiery Turkish Cup loss to Galatasaray, sparking chaos and controversy.
Maccabi Tel Aviv secures a historic 3-1 away win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva, reclaiming first place in the Israeli playoff race.
Palestine’s Omar Faraj tied an Allsvenskan record with five goals for Degerfors, earning a rare 10/10 rating across multiple score apps. Here's all you need to know about the Swedish-Palestinian sensation.
Salah wants to stay at Liverpool beyond his current deal, as Trent's expected exit to Madrid opens the door for a contract extension.
Palestine stuns Iraq, Kyrgyzstan shocks Qatar, and giants slip in tense Asian Qualifiers—drama unfolds across the continent.
Norway outclassed Israel 4-2 with goals from four different scorers, exposing defensive gaps despite a spirited Israeli comeback attempt.
Tensions rise ahead of Israel vs. Norway as politics, security, and World Cup hopes collide in a charged qualifier on Tuesday.
Ahmed Taha shines for Palestine with assist vs Jordan—now Israel’s sports minister wants him banned from the local league.
Israel come from behind to beat Estonia 2-1 in World Cup qualifying opener; Eli Dasa scores winner ahead of Tuesday clash with Norway.
Japan qualify as Asia's World Cup race heats up—big wins, surprise draws, and crucial clashes ahead on Matchday 8.
Mohamed Salah scores and breaks the Premier League overseas goals record as Liverpool clinch a historic twentieth title.