Al-Ittihad edge to title: 5 things learned from Saudi league action

RIYADH: It was another huge weekend in the Saudi Professional League with the picture at the top and bottom of the table getting a little clearer as we enter the final stages of the season. And it seems Al-Ittihad are still heading toward a first title win since 2009.

Here are five things we learned from the latest action

1. Al-Ittihad don’t look like choking

The 2-0 win over Al-Shabab was a classic top-of-the-table clash and a huge game. Al-Ittihad’s impressive run had taken them clear but the narrow loss to Al-Hilal last week was a big blow. If they had then lost or even dropped points against Al-Shabab, then the chasing pack would have taken huge heart from that and who knows what it would have done to the dressing room in Jeddah.

But a first title since 2009 is still very much on. In the absence of Abderrazzak Hamdallah, coach Cosmin Contra paired Romarinho and Haroune Camara together in attack and their movement, energy and work rate caused plenty of problems. There were some hairy moments at the back but in a game that Al-Shabab, playing at home, were desperate to win, they piled on the pressure late in the contest but the Tigers held firm. A goal late in the first half was followed by another early in the second to produce a fine win.

Even better was the late return of Igor Coronado off the bench after a long injury lay-off. Make no mistake this was a big win as the celebrations at the end showed. They have 57 points from 24 games, 11 clear of Al-Hilal who have two more to play. The finish line is getting closer.

2. Al-Hilal are mounting a spirited defense

The champions are not giving up their trophy easily and needed a late goal to defeat Al-Raed 1-0. It makes it five wins from five in the league under