Players fight for the ball during the league match.

RIYADH, Jan 4: Al-Ittihad claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun in the 13th round of the 2025-2026 Roshn Saudi League. The match was decided by Mohannad Al-Shanqeeti, who scored the winning goal in the 50th minute, giving the “Tigers” their fourth consecutive win.

With the victory, Al-Ittihad climbs to fifth place in the league standings with 23 points, while Al-Taawoun remains in third place on 28 points.

Elsewhere in the round, Al-Kholood thrashed Al-Fayha 5-0, and Al-Fateh secured a 2-0 win over Al-Shabab.

The match also featured controversy, as VAR disallowed a late goal by Abdel Fattah Adam for Al-Taawoun in the 89th minute, confirming the 1-0 result for Al-Ittihad. Former international referee Saad Al-Kathiri weighed in, calling the decision incorrect. He told Al-Jazirah:

“There was no foul by the Al-Taawoun player. The ball was closer to him, and it was the Al-Ittihad player who moved toward him. Play should have continued.”

Despite the setback, Al-Ittihad’s win maintains their winning momentum, while Al-Taawoun’s 28 points keep them in contention, just one point behind Al-Hilal and three behind league leaders Al-Nassr.