Late winner against Damac moves Al-Ittihad closer to ACL Elite qualification

RIYADH: Al-Ittihad kept their hopes of securing continental football for the 2026/27 season alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Damac at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Goals from Houssem Aouar and Abdulaziz Al-Bishi — the latter coming deep into stoppage time — lifted the Tigers to 52 points, level with fifth-placed Al-Taawoun.

The match carried major significance for both sides. Victory for Al-Ittihad would put them within touching distance of an AFC Champions League Elite spot, while Damac knew three points could lift them clear of the relegation zone ahead of Al-Riyadh.

Damac’s approach was clear from the outset. The visitors aimed to absorb pressure with minimal damage in the first half before introducing attacking reinforcements such as Yakou Meite and Abdullah Al-Qahtani later in the match.

The opening half was relatively subdued, but Al-Ittihad broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Danilo delivered a cross toward Moussa Diaby, who flicked the ball into the path of Houssem Aouar for a composed finish at the far post.

The second half, however, belonged largely to Damac. Their pressure intensified after the introduction of Meite, whose movement immediately began causing problems for the Al-Ittihad defence.

In the 46th minute, Valentin Vada missed a clear opportunity before Predrag Rajkovic produced a fingertip save to deny David Kaiki’s header five minutes later.

Damac eventually found their equaliser in the 73rd minute when Abdulrahman Al-Obaid delivered a cross for Meite, who headed past Rajkovic.

But just as Damac appeared set to claim a valuable point, Al-Ittihad struck late in stoppage time. Aouar won possession high up the pitch before sending the ball into the box, where