New Delhi: Al-Ittihad, led by former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, clinched the Saudi Pro League title on Thursday night at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium with two games to spare, pulling off a convincing 3-1 comeback win against relegated Al-Raed.
The victory lifted Al-Ittihad to 77 points from 32 games, nine points clear of arch-rivals Al-Hilal, making it mathematically impossible for them to be caught. It marks the club’s 10th league title and second in the last three years. This triumph was an important milestone for a team that’s been reshaping its identity under the guidance of head coach Laurent Blanc.
It’s now OFFICIAL: @ittihad_en 🐅 are the 2024/25 #RoshnSaudiLeague champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/f7I9r7QJwm
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 15, 2025
Slow start, strong response
Despite coming into the match as heavy favourites, Al-Ittihad were caught off guard early on. The already relegated side Al-Raed, with nothing to lose, drew first blood just nine minutes in when Omar Gonzalez found the back of the net from close range. It was a surprising moment, and for a brief period, it looked like the title celebrations might be delayed. But that didn’t last long as Steven Bergwijn stepped up with an equaliser just 12 minutes later, bringing Al Ittihad back in the game and restoring belief among the home fans.
Then, right before halftime, Danilo Pereira rose highest to head home and give the Jeddah-based side a deserved lead. Just two minutes into the second half, Abdulrahman Al-Oboud added a third to all but seal the deal. Al-Ittihad, after that, didn’t let the ball slip out of their control as they held onto their lead and celebrated a title-winning night in front of their supporters.
We Are The Champions ☝️🏆#RoshnSaudiLeague
pic.twitter.com/Rzztn3Z7A3— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) May 15, 2025
Historic 10th title
With this victory, Al-Ittihad now holds 10 Saudi Pro League titles, winning in 1982, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2023. With this title, they have overtaken their arch rivals Al Nasser, who have nine titles and have become the second most successful club in the league’s history. Al–Hilal remains in the first place with a record 19 titles.
One trophy down, one more to go
With the league title secured, Al-Ittihad now shift focus to the King’s Cup final on May 30, where they will face Al-Qadsiah. The chance to finish the season with a domestic double is now very much alive.
This triumph is not just about silverware; rather, it marks a successful chapter under captain Benzema’s leadership and adds another storied title to Al-Ittihad’s growing legacy in Saudi football.
Al Ittihad sealed the Saudi Pro League title with a 3-1 comeback victory over Al-Raed, surpassing Al-Nassr in the all-time winners’ list. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
