Al Ahli go top with Sea Derby win over Al Ittihad
2026-03-07 - 04:43
JEDDAH — Al Ahli moved to the top of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday after securing a 3-1 victory against city rivals Al Ittihad in the Sea Derby in front of more than 50,000 fans at Alinma Stadium.Goals from Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Firas Al-Buraikan sealed the win for coach Matthias Jaissle’s side, while Fabinho had earlier equalized for the reigning champions from the penalty spot.The result marked Al Ahli’s 13th victory in their last 14 league matches and lifted the Asian champions one point clear at the top of the standings.Al Nassr slipped to second place, ahead of Al Hilal on goal difference.Al Hilal had earlier drawn level on points with Al Nassr after Karim Benzema scored twice in a 4-0 victory against bottom club Al Najmah.However, Al Nassr could reclaim top spot on Saturday when they host Neom SC at Al Awwal Park.Al Ahli opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Toney finished calmly from a low cross by Galeno.The strike took the England international to 24 league goals this season, extending his lead at the top of the scoring charts to two.Including five assists, Toney now holds the record for most goal contributions in a single season for Al Ahli, surpassing the previous mark held by Omar Al-Somah.Al Ittihad responded quickly after the break. Six minutes into the second half, Steven Bergwijn was brought down by Zakaria Hawsawi inside the penalty area, allowing Fabinho to convert from the spot past Edouard Mendy.But Al Ahli regained the lead just before the hour mark. Galeno delivered another dangerous low cross that evaded Toney, allowing Mahrez to control at the back post before drilling a left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Predrag Rajković.The hosts sealed victory six minutes from time when Rajković was caught in possession, enabling substitute Al-Buraikan to slot into an empty net.The result completed a derby double for Al Ahli this season and secured local bragging rights, while the home fans celebrated by unveiling a large pre-match tifo carrying a single message: “Dominance.”