Al Ahli Saudi Trolls Al-Ittihad After Derby Win & Reclaims League Lead
A dominant performance propelled Al-Ahli Saudi to a 3-1 victory over rivals Al-Ittihad in a highly anticipated clash in the 25th round of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday evening. The win sees Al-Ahli temporarily reclaim the top spot in the league standings.
The match, dubbed the “Jeddah Derby,” saw Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney open the scoring in the 23rd minute. Al-Ittihad responded with a penalty converted by Fabinho in the 51st minute, briefly leveling the score. However, Al-Ahli quickly regained control, with goals from Riyad Mahrez in the 59th minute and Faras Al-Brikan in the 84th minute sealing the victory.
The result lifts Al-Ahli to 62 points, one point ahead of both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, though both teams have games in hand. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, remain stuck on 42 points in sixth place, their title aspirations significantly diminished by this defeat.
Beyond the scoreline, Al-Ahli’s victory was marked by a series of provocative social media posts from the club, escalating the rivalry with Al-Ittihad. Following the final whistle, the official Al-Ahli account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a video titled “Even in your dreams… Al-Ahli is ahead of you.” The video featured imagery of a lion dominating a wounded tiger, and a fan waking from a nightmare to witness a television displaying the message “Jeddah is always green” – a reference to Al-Ahli’s traditional colors.
The club didn’t stop there. Another post celebrated wins in both the home and away fixtures against Al-Ittihad, stating, “We don’t talk much… going back and forth, the winner is one.” Perhaps the most striking image shared by Al-Ahli depicted Ivan Toney and Ibaniéz wielding axes, seemingly dismantling Al-Ittihad players, with a small cat in the foreground appearing to flee the scene. The post was accompanied by the caption, “In every derby, we give lessons… we are the big ones of Jeddah the Bride.”
This level of post-match gloating underscores the intensity of the Jeddah Derby and the growing confidence within the Al-Ahli camp. The club’s recent form, coupled with the arrival of high-profile players like Toney and Mahrez, has transformed them into genuine title contenders. Their ability to consistently find the back of the net – demonstrated by the contributions of multiple goalscorers in this match – will be crucial as the season reaches its climax.
Al-Ittihad, face a significant challenge to salvage their season. Whereas a title challenge now appears unlikely, they will be aiming to secure a qualifying spot for the AFC Champions League. Their reliance on Fabinho for goals from the penalty spot highlights a broader issue: a lack of consistent attacking threat outside of set pieces. The team will need to address this imbalance if they are to regain their competitive edge.
The victory for Al-Ahli comes at a pivotal moment in the Roshn Saudi League season. With Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal also vying for the title, every point is crucial. The league has become increasingly competitive following significant investment in attracting international talent, and the quality of football on display is steadily improving. This derby showcased that heightened level of competition, with both teams displaying attacking intent and tactical awareness.
Looking ahead, Al-Ahli will travel to face Al-Qadsiah on in the 26th round of the Roshn Saudi League. This match presents an opportunity for Al-Ahli to consolidate their position at the top of the table and continue their pursuit of the championship. Al-Ittihad will need to regroup quickly and prepare for their next fixture, knowing that they can ill afford further setbacks in their quest for a top-four finish.
The aftermath of the derby extends beyond the pitch, with Al-Ahli’s social media campaign likely to fuel further animosity between the two clubs and their supporters. The Jeddah Derby is more than just a football match; it’s a cultural and social event that embodies the passion and rivalry within Saudi Arabian football. Al-Ahli’s decisive victory and subsequent celebrations have undoubtedly cemented their dominance in this particular chapter of the rivalry.