JEDDAH — Al-Ittihad delivered a statement victory in the Saudi Clasico, dismantling Al-Hilal 4-1 at King Abdullah Sports City on Friday in a match that showcased their dominance at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Despite an early lead for Al-Hilal through Marcos Leonardo in the 23rd minute, Al-Ittihad mounted a stunning comeback. Hassan Kadesh equalized in the 29th minute, followed by Steven Bergwijn's first goal just before halftime to give the home side control. Bergwijn struck again in the 51st minute, and Karim Benzema sealed the rout in the 86th minute to cap off a commanding performance. With the win, Al-Ittihad extended their lead at the top of the league to 55 points, seven clear of Al-Hilal, who continue to struggle after two consecutive draws. The victory also served as redemption after their 3-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the first half of the season, and reinforced their superiority after knocking their rivals out of the King's Cup quarter-finals in January. Al-Hilal started the match on the front foot, creating early chances through Salem Al-Dawsari and Sergej Milinković-Savić, while Brazilian winger Malcom forced a crucial save from Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajković in the 17th minute. Their persistence paid off when Leonardo converted a low cross from João Cancelo in the 23rd minute, becoming the second-youngest player to score in a Saudi Clasico at 21 years old, behind Musab Al-Juwair. But Al-Ittihad quickly turned the match around. Renan Lodi's defensive intervention denied a dangerous chance for Benzema, and in the 29th minute, Kadesh rose highest to head in a Moussa Diaby corner, leveling the score. Just before the break, Bergwijn put Al-Ittihad ahead, following up on his own rebound after Yassine Bounou saved his initial header, becoming the first Dutch player to score in a Saudi Clasico. Bergwijn wasn't done. Just six minutes into the second half, N'Golo Kanté surged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross, which Bergwijn converted with a clinical finish past Bounou to make it 3-1. Al-Hilal thought they had pulled one back in the 70th minute, but VAR ruled out Leonardo's goal due to an offside on Milinković-Savić. Moments later, Al-Ittihad also saw a goal overturned when Benzema's strike was disallowed for offside during the celebrations. Diaby, who provided three assists in the match, missed a golden opportunity in the 77th minute, but Benzema ensured there would be no late drama. In the 86th minute, the French striker met another Diaby corner with a first-time finish, securing Al-Ittihad's emphatic victory. VAR confirmed the goal, putting the final stamp on a dominant Clasico win. With four consecutive league victories, Al-Ittihad now look poised for a serious title push, while Al-Hilal will need to regroup quickly as they continue to slip in the standings.
