Karim Benzema grabbed a goal and an assist to lead Al-Ittihad to a comeback 3-2 win over Al-Ettifaq, a result that moved them six points clear at the Saudi Pro League summit. (Highlights | More Football News)
Al-Hilal, who are second in the standings, could only manage a 2-2 draw against Al-Shabab earlier in the day, with Laurent Blanc's side taking full advantage in their encounter.
But they had to come from behind at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, after Vitinho put the visitors ahead with just five minutes on the clock.
Al-Ittihad responded quickly, however, with바카라 웹사이트Danilo Pereira sliding in to tuck home Benzema's ball at the back post just six minutes later.바카라 웹사이트
Benzema then capitalised on a defensive mistake by Al-Shabab, racing through on goal before squeezing his shot past바카라 웹사이트Marek Rodak, who got a touch to the Frenchman's strike.
Al-Ittihad entered the half-time interval with a two-goal advantage;바카라 웹사이트Houssem Aouar collecting바카라 웹사이트Moussa Diaby's clever pass in the box, before rifling the ball into the bottom corner.바카라 웹사이트
Pereira made things slightly nervy for Al-Ittihad바카라 웹사이트when he turned into his own net late on, but the hosts were able to hold on to seal a crucial victory in the race for the title.바카라 웹사이트
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, now have five games to try and claw back the six-point deficit to Al-Ittihad having dropped more points at this crucial stage of the campaign.바카라 웹사이트
Jorge Jesus' team had picked up just three points from their last three games heading into the contest, and found themselves behind early on at the바카라 웹사이트Kingdom Arena.바카라 웹사이트
Daniel Podence's tricky run in from the right-hand side ended with a brilliant finish,바카라 웹사이트the former Wolves midfielder crashing the ball into the top corner with his left foot.바카라 웹사이트
However,바카라 웹사이트Sergej Milinkovic-Savic drew Al-Hilal level in the 31st minute, gathering Salem Al Dawsari cute pass around the corner before finishing past바카라 웹사이트Abdullah Al Muaiouf.바카라 웹사이트
Al-Hilal needed just a minute after the break to take the lead.바카라 웹사이트Al Dawsari was again involved;바카라 웹사이트this time, picking out the bottom-right corner with a composed strike.바카라 웹사이트
But바카라 웹사이트Mohammed Al Shwirekh headed Al-Shabab level 22 minutes from time, rising highest to power바카라 웹사이트Cristian Guanca's teasing corner delivery into the back of the net.바카라 웹사이트
Data Debrief: 50 up for Benzema바카라 웹사이트
Benzema has been a sensational signing for Al-Ittihad since joining from Real Madrid, with his latest display for the Saudi Pro League side proving he still has plenty to give.바카라 웹사이트
The 37-year-old has now reached 50 goal involvements for Al-Ittihad in 58 appearances across all competitions (33 goals, 17 assists), and he was the standout player on Monday.
He ended the contest having had more shots (seven) and touches in the opposition box (seven), while only바카라 웹사이트Aouar and Diaby (both three) created more chances than Benzema.바카라 웹사이트
