Saudi League champions Al Ittihad beat Al Shabab
The ‘Tigers’ defeated a strong Al Shabab team 2-3.
Al Ittihad came into this match with all their league duties done, as they are champions with two matches remaining (this one included). However, this didn’t stop them from relaxing, as they faced a strong Al Shabab side that made things very difficult for them. At times, they deserved more, but their lack of accuracy, due in part to the goalkeeper’s excellent performance, meant the visitors took the match 2-3.
Benzema wasn’t even called up, among other reasons because the Saudi Cup final is coming up soon against Al Qadsiya, Míchel’s team that is fighting for a Champions League spot, so Blanc didn’t want to risk his top scorer, who didn’t need him because Diaby was at his best with two goals and an assist for his team.
The visitors imposed their law from the first minute, since 20 seconds later Diaby opened the scoring, the Frenchman would be one of the most notable faces of the match, since when Al Shabab attacked most, he invented a chip to sign his double at the half hour of play, two shots from the tigers, two goals. Al Ittihad’s debutant goalkeeper
The second half resumed as the first had ended, with the home side clearly dominating, but the goal came for the visitors, with a superb recovery by Kanté in midfield, who drove into the opposing box and set up Bergjwin for the third. The Dutchman scored his second goal shortly after, but the linesman ruled out Diaby’s previous offside move.
The home side did not give up, as Guanca reduced the deficit with a header in the 67th minute and hit the post a minute later. There would be no time for more, although they kept trying. There is one matchday left for both sides, but Al Ittihad are eagerly awaiting the final with Al Qadsiya, which has a lot at stake in the league.
