Al-Ittihad successfully clinched the Saudi Clásico against Al-Nassr with a 2-1 victory on Saturday evening in the Roshn League.
The match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr took place at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah as part of the fifth round of the Saudi Roshn League.
Al-Ittihad started the match with the following lineup: "Rajković - Ahmed Al-Jalidan - Danilo Pereira - Hassan Kadesh - Fares Abdi - Dion Lopy - Mukhtar Ali - Ahmed Al-Ghamdi - Hussam Awad - George Ilenikena - Steven Bergwijn".
Al-Nassr's lineup was as follows: "Nawaf Al-Aqidi - Salem Al-Najdi - Abdulilah Al-Amri - Mohamed Simakan - Nawaf Boushal - Angelo Gabriel - Samu Costa - Kingsley Coman - Sadio Mané - João Félix - Cristiano Ronaldo".
The match began quickly and intensely, with early danger emerging through a shot by Cristiano Ronaldo from outside the penalty area, which the Al-Ittihad goalkeeper easily saved in the 3rd minute.
In the 4th minute, Al-Ittihad opened the scoring through George Ilenikena.
Al-Ittihad's first goal came after a cross from the right flank followed by a powerful shot that was saved by Nawaf Al-Aqidi; the ball rebounded to Ilenikena, who headed it strongly into the right side of the goal past the keeper, making the score 1-0.
In the 18th minute, Ilenikena scored another goal for Al-Ittihad, but it was disallowed due to offside.
The Nigerian George Ilenikena continued his outstanding performance, extending Al-Ittihad's lead with a second goal against Al-Nassr in the 23rd minute.
Al-Ittihad's second goal came after a wonderful cross from the left flank reached Ilenikena, who rose to meet it and brilliantly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper into the net, making the score 2-0.
In the 36th minute, Al-Nassr reduced the deficit when Angelo Gabriel scored their first goal.
Al-Nassr's first goal came after a distinctive attack followed by a shot that was saved by the Al-Ittihad goalkeeper; the ball rebounded to Angelo Gabriel, who powerfully struck it from inside the penalty area into the net, making the score 2-1.
The first half ended with Al-Ittihad leading Al-Nassr 2-1.
In the 51st minute, Cristiano attempted a bicycle kick, but the ball missed him poorly without posing any threat to Al-Ittihad's goal.
Al-Nassr pressed intensely in search of an equalizing goal while Al-Ittihad retreated defensively.
Al-Nassr failed to achieve equality, allowing Al-Ittihad to snatch victory and secure all three points in the Clásico.
With this result (2-1), Al-Ittihad regained their balance and returned to contention, entering the top four with 11 points.
On the other hand, Al-Nassr's winning streak ended as they suffered their first defeat in the Saudi League this season, leaving their tally at 12 points.
To view the Saudi League standings table, click here
