JEDDAH — RSL runners-up Al Ittihad delivered an impressive performance before 35,654 fans at King Abdullah Sports City, defeating Al Qadsiah 3-1 in Friday's late kick-off. The Jeddah giants took an early lead, scoring just seven minutes into the match. Winger Moussa Diaby quickly took a free-kick, delivering the ball to club captain Karim Benzema, who finished confidently past goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Al Qadsiah responded in the 20th minute when Mexican winger Julian Quinones made a defense-splitting pass to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward rounded goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic and coolly slotted home the equalizer. Aubameyang found the net again shortly after, capitalizing on a quick move initiated by Iker Almena, who set up Cameron Puertas. However, Al Qadsiah's joy was short-lived as Puertas was flagged offside in the build-up. A moment of defensive confusion inside the Al Qadsiah box saw Argentine midfielder Equi Fernandez head the ball back toward his goalkeeper, but it fell into the path of Benzema, who battled Casteels for possession and placed the ball into the net. Unfortunately for Al Ittihad, the goal was ruled out for a foul on the Belgian keeper inside the six-yard box. Midway through the second half, Al Ittihad regained their lead with a swift exchange of passes between Diaby and Houssem Aouar. Diaby received the return pass and calmly finished with his left foot, putting Al Ittihad ahead 2-1. The defensive woes for Al Qadsiah continued as club captain Nacho misplaced the ball to substitute Mario Mitaj, who seized the opportunity to score his first RSL goal and seal the victory. The result keeps Al Ittihad within three points of unbeaten leaders Al Hilal, while Al Qadsiah slips further down the table, leaving coach Michel under pressure with three defeats in their last five matches.
