Al-Hilal secured a hard-fought victory over Al-Ittihad in a thrilling King’s Cup semi-final encounter. The match played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, saw both teams battle it out for a place in the final.
Al-Ittihad started brightly, with a goal disallowed in the opening ten minutes after a VAR review. This setback didn’t deter them, and they continued to press forward. However, it was Al-Hilal who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Michael found the back of the net with a clinical finish, expertly assisted by Malcom.
The second half saw Al-Ittihad come alive. Abderrazzak Hamdallah equalized for the home side in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from A. Al-Ghamdi. The crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted in Al-Ittihad’s favor.
However, Al-Hilal refused to relinquish control. Just 14 minutes later, Saud Abdulhamid restored their lead with a goal assisted by the ever-present Malcom. The closing stages of the match were tense, with both teams pushing for a winner. Ultimately, Al-Hilal held on to secure a narrow 2-1 victory and book their place in the King’s Cup final.
This match served as another chapter in the fierce rivalry between these two Saudi football giants. Al-Hilal continues their dominance, extending their winning streak against Al-Ittihad to 12 matches. The Blue Wave will now be looking to complete the domestic treble, having already secured the league title. For Al-Ittihad, the defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow, but they can take heart from their spirited performance, particularly in the second half.
Talking Points:
- Al Hilal’s relentless pursuit of a domestic treble continues. Can they achieve it?
- Al-Ittihad will be disappointed to miss out on a chance of silverware. Can they break their winless streak against Al Hilal next season?
- Both teams displayed attacking intent. Who will Al Hilal face in the final?
Al Hilal will now wait for their opponent in the King’s Cup final, while Al-Ittihad’s season comes to an end.
