Saudi football once again delivered an intense spectacle during the 26th round of the Saudi Pro League. The highly anticipated Jeddah derby between Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad ended in a spectacular 2-2 draw at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. But what truly captivated everyone was Karim Benzema’s last-gasp goal in the 94th minute, which allowed Al-Ittihad to avoid a painful defeat against their historic rivals.
This clash between two of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious clubs lived up to all expectations: intensity, clear-cut chances, twists and turns, and an electric atmosphere in a packed stadium. From the opening whistle, the match took on the air of a tactical duel between two ambitious sides. Al-Ahli, spurred on by their fans, tried to dictate the tempo with quick passing and relentless attacks down the wings. Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, prioritized physical strength and direct play, relying on their attacking stars to make the difference.
The first half was marked by high intensity, but without goals. Both goalkeepers shone, particularly Edouard Mendy for Al-Ahli, who was impeccable in his aerial challenges, and Marcelo Grohe for Al-Ittihad, who repelled several dangerous shots. It wasn’t until the 51st minute that the scoreboard changed. From a perfectly executed corner by Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian defender Roger Ibáñez outjumped the opposing defense and opened the scoring with an unstoppable header. The stadium erupted in joy; Al-Ahli led 1-0 and seemed to be in control of the match.
But Al-Ittihad didn’t take long to respond. Led by a dynamic Moussa Diaby, the Black and Yellows equalized in the 74th minute. The former Bayer Leverkusen player, played through on goal, beat Mendy with a low, angled shot. This goal reignited the match and gave the entire team renewed hope. However, things took a turn for the worse for Al-Ittihad a few minutes later. In the 82nd minute, English striker Ivan Toney restored Al-Ahli’s lead with a precise shot after a well-worked team move. The fans thought their team had secured the victory.
But they hadn’t reckoned with Karim Benzema, who once again proved why he remains one of the most clutch strikers of his generation. In stoppage time (90+4), the Frenchman capitalized on a poorly cleared ball to equalize with a magnificent volley. Silence fell over the stadium before the Al-Ittihad fans erupted in jubilation.
This goal, executed with rare precision, allowed his team to salvage a precious point and avoid a defeat that would have been a real blow to morale. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Karim Benzema continues to prove that he remains a world-class player. Despite sometimes struggling to adapt to a new league and demanding climatic conditions, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner remains an indispensable attacking asset for Al-Ittihad. His positioning, his reading of the game, and his ability to score at key moments make him the driving force of the team. This 94th-minute goal is not just another point in the standings; it’s also a powerful message: Benzema is still there to make the difference.
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Ittihad derby is not just any match. It is steeped in history, passion, and rivalry. Every clash between the two Jeddah clubs is a national event, followed by millions of fans throughout the kingdom. This match once again confirmed the rise of Saudi football, now populated by international stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, Moussa Diaby, and of course, Karim Benzema.
The technical level, the fervor of the fans, and the atmosphere in the stadiums illustrate the spectacular transformation of the league since the arrival of these footballing giants. Beyond the result, this encounter will be remembered as one of the best derbies of the season. Four goals, stars at the peak of their powers, suspense until the very last minute—everything was there to make it a classic. For Karim Benzema, this performance further cements his status as a living legend of world football. At 36, he continues to show that he is capable of influencing the outcome of a match with his talent and his goalscoring instinct.
