Al-Hilal edges Al-Ittihad to seize Saudi Pro League lead

Gabriel Martinelli celebrates after scoring the opener for Al-Hilal.

RIYADH, Oct 11: Al-Hilal claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Clasico, taking all three points from the eighth-round showdown in the Saudi Pro League.

The win sent Al-Hilal to the top of the standings with 21 points, two clear of second-placed Al-Qadsiah and level with defending champion Al-Nassr. Al-Ittihad slipped to fourth on 17 points.

Gabriel Martinelli put Al-Hilal ahead in the 11th minute, but Youssef En-Nesyri restored parity for Al-Ittihad in the 22nd minute. Ollie Watkins regained the lead for the host in the 30th minute before Crysencio Summerville extended its advantage in the 64th minute.

Al-Ittihad mounted a late response, with Steven Bergwijn converting a penalty in the 89th minute, but Al-Hilal held on to secure a crucial victory.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, neither team had recorded a 3-2 victory in their previous 36 Saudi Pro League meetings since the competition began in the summer of 2008, making the scoreline a first in the history of the Clasico.

The defeat also ended Al-Ittihad’s unbeaten run, making it the last team in the league to lose a match this season.