Match Events
| Min | Team | Card | Event | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4' | Al-Ittihad | Goal — George Ilenikhena | 1-0 | |
| 22' | Al-Ittihad | Goal — George Ilenikhena (assist: Houssem Aouar) | 2-0 | |
| 36' | Al-Nassr | Goal — Angelo Borges | 2-1 | |
| 45' | Al-Ittihad | Substitution — Mukhtar Ali on, Richard Ríos Montoya off | 2-1 | |
| 53' | Al-Ittihad | Substitution — Ahmed Al Julaydan on, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti off | 2-1 | |
| 53' | Al-Ittihad | Dion Lopy | 2-1 | |
| 55' | Al-Nassr | Samu Costa | 2-1 | |
| 60' | Al-Nassr | Substitution — Kingsley Coman on, Ayman Yahya off | 2-1 | |
| 60' | Al-Nassr | Substitution — Salem Al-Najdi on, Saad Fahad Al Nasser off | 2-1 | |
| 67' | Al-Ittihad | Substitution — Ahmed Al-Ghamdi on, Marwan Al-Sahafi off | 2-1 | |
| 67' | Al-Ittihad | Substitution — George Ilenikhena on, Youssef En-Nesyri off | 2-1 | |
| 69' | Al-Nassr | Joao Felix | 2-1 | |
| 78' | Al-Nassr | Substitution — Angelo Borges on, Abdullah Al-Hamdan off | 2-1 | |
| 78' | Al-Nassr | Substitution — Samu Costa on, Abdullah Al-Khaibari off | 2-1 | |
| 79' | Al-Nassr | Abdullah Al-Khaibari | 2-1 | |
| 82' | Al-Ittihad | Substitution — Steven Bergwijn on, Rakan Al-Kaabi off | 2-1 | |
| 90+1' | Al-Nassr | Abdulelah Al-Amri | 2-1 | |
| 90+2' | Al-Ittihad | Youssef En-Nesyri | 2-1 |
Al-Ittihad got the better of Al-Nassr on Saturday, 5 September 2026, edging out a 2-1 win at King Abdullah Sports City in front of a home crowd that had plenty to shout about. The hosts came flying out of the blocks, building a two-goal cushion before Al-Nassr pulled one back to make it 2-1 at the break. That half-time scoreline told the story of a game where Al-Ittihad did the damage early and then had to hold their nerve. The second half never quite matched the drama of the first, with the score staying at 2-1 all the way to the final whistle. It's three points that matter for Al-Ittihad, who will take real confidence from seeing off a side of Al-Nassr's quality. For Al-Nassr, there are things to work on, but the fight they showed to get back into it before half-time is something to build from as the season rolls on.
The Matchup
Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Nassr was the final score at King Abdullah Sports City, in a game where Al-Ittihad did enough across the ninety minutes to deserve the three points. Al-Ittihad also had the better share of the ball, holding 59% possession, which usually goes hand in hand with the extra control a winning side tends to show. The shot count told a similar story, with 15 attempts from Al-Ittihad against 16 from Al-Nassr over the course of the game. It was not always comfortable for Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr pushed for a way back into the game, but the result stood. Games like this can carry real weight later in the season, so this is a scoreline worth remembering. Below is a closer look at how the match broke down, statistically.
Man of the Match
Match Statistics
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr Lineups
Looking Ahead
Al-Ittihad does not have long to wait before getting back out onto the pitch. Their next test comes away at Al-Hilal, and how they respond after this result will be worth watching. You can follow the build-up and everything you need to know when Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad going to play at 10 October 2026 in Saudi Pro League 2026-27.
Al-Nassr, meanwhile, will already be turning their attention to what comes next. They are next in action at home to Al Diriyah, a game that will give an early sense of how they carry this result forward. Full details are here: Al-Nassr vs Al Diriyah going to play at 9 October 2026 in Saudi Pro League 2026-27.
Match Commentary
76' and it's still Al-Ittihad dictating the tempo with 57% of the ball, Al-Nassr sitting deeper as they search for a way back into it at 2-1. Nothing dramatic to report, just the minutes ticking away in this stretch.
75 minutes gone and Al-Ittihad are back in control of possession, 56% to 44%, still nursing that 2-1 lead. Al-Nassr look content to let the clock tick for now, waiting for their moment.
73' and Al-Nassr edge possession back slightly, now 45% to Al-Ittihad's 55%, but there's little urgency to show for it. Still 2-1, and the clock is becoming as much a factor as anything happening on the pitch.
72' and the game's gone quiet again, Al-Ittihad still holding the upper hand with 59% of possession at 2-1. Al-Nassr just can't seem to wrestle any control away in this passage.
71 minutes played and Al-Ittihad continue to dominate the ball at 58%, happy to keep things slow at 2-1. Al-Nassr are struggling to find any real foothold in this one.
70' and Joao Felix goes into the book for Al-Nassr, a booking that sums up their growing frustration at 2-1. Al-Ittihad still shade the ball 55-45 as the visitors search for a way back.
68 minutes on the clock and the pattern hasn't changed, Al-Ittihad edging possession 55-45 and content to let the game breathe at 2-1. Al-Nassr need something quick to change this rhythm.
67 minutes gone and it's still Al-Ittihad calling the shots with 56% of the ball, Al-Nassr forced to sit deeper as they chase this one at 2-1.
Clock ticks past 66 and Al-Ittihad are happy to just hold their 58% grip on this, no need to rush anything at 2-1. Al-Nassr are getting a bit more of a look-in than before, but they're still short of the final third.
Into the 63rd minute now and Al-Ittihad keep their foot on the ball, 59% possession showing just how comfortable they are dictating things at 2-1. Al-Nassr are still searching for a way back into this.
62 minutes on the clock and Al-Ittihad continue to enjoy the lion's share, that 55-45 split still in their favour. Al-Nassr need a spark from somewhere, but for now it's steady as she goes at 2-1.
61 minutes gone and it's the same story, Al-Ittihad ticking things over with 55% of the ball while Al-Nassr are left chasing shadows. Nothing frantic here, just a home side managing the game at 2-1.
The hour mark comes and goes with Al-Ittihad still content to hold the ball, 59% possession telling the story of their control at 2-1. Al-Nassr will need to change something soon, because this pace suits the home side just fine.
Nearing the hour mark now and Al-Ittihad still dictating with 59% possession, happy to let this one simmer at 2-1. Al-Nassr just can't get a real foothold in the game at the moment.
Little in the way of drama right now, Al-Ittihad just knocking it around at 57% possession and letting the clock tick down on their lead. Al-Nassr need to find a spark from somewhere if they're going to level this at 2-1.
Patient stuff from Al-Ittihad here, 58% of the ball now as they manage the game at 2-1. Al-Nassr are being made to chase shadows a bit, still searching for a way to force the issue.
Al-Ittihad content to keep the ball for now, holding 55% possession as they see out this spell. Al-Nassr sitting in, waiting for their moment to bite back into this 2-1 scoreline.
Al-Ittihad make a change on 53 minutes, Ahmed Al Julaydan coming on with Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti picking up the assist. Fresh legs for the home side as they look to protect that 2-1 lead.
Nothing dramatic happening in this passage, Al-Ittihad just edging possession at 57% as the clock moves past the hour mark. Al-Nassr will know they need to change the pattern soon if that gap's going to close.
Play ticks along without much fuss here, Al-Ittihad still shading things with 59% possession. Al-Nassr are yet to really force the issue, trailing 2-1 and searching for a spark.
Al-Ittihad continue to dictate the tempo here, holding 55% of the ball as the half settles into a steady rhythm. Al-Nassr are content to sit in for now, still just the one goal adrift at 2-1.
Second half underway, and Al-Ittihad pick up right where they left off, controlling the ball at 59%. Al-Nassr will need to find a way to wrestle it back if they're to level this at 2-1.
The whistle's about to go for half-time and Al-Ittihad edge the possession stakes at 55%. Al-Nassr will be relieved to hear it, still just 2-1 down and ready for a reset.
We're deep into stoppage territory before the break now, and Al-Ittihad still hold the edge in possession at 56%. Al-Nassr trail 2-1 but look set to reach half-time without further damage.
Three minutes now until the break and Al-Ittihad are happy to sit on that 58% share, patiently running the clock down. Al-Nassr just need to hold firm at 2-1 and regroup in the dressing room.
42 minutes gone and Al-Ittihad keep the majority of the ball, 58% to their name, with that 2-1 lead intact. Nothing dramatic to report as Al-Nassr just try to weather this spell before the interval.
41 minutes played and Al-Ittihad still dictate with 56% of the ball, that 2-1 scoreline unchanged. Al-Nassr will want the half-time whistle to arrive soon and reset.
Approaching the 40th and Al-Ittihad continue to control things, 57% possession their latest reading. Al-Nassr are still searching for a way back into this one before half-time arrives.
38 minutes on the clock and it's still Al-Ittihad holding the reins with 59% possession, that scoreline sitting comfortably at 2-1. Al-Nassr need to find a spark from somewhere before the break.
37 minutes gone and the rhythm hasn't changed, Al-Ittihad ticking things over with 55% possession. Al-Nassr look no closer to breaking that two-goal grip.
Half an hour and six minutes gone, Al-Ittihad still dictating with 55% of the ball, and Al-Nassr simply can't get a foothold to claw back that two-goal deficit.
34 minutes played and Al-Ittihad continue to control things with 57% possession, still comfortable with that two-goal cushion. Al-Nassr are struggling to wrestle the ball away for any sustained spell.
33 minutes on the clock and it's the same story, Al-Ittihad content with their 56-44 edge in possession. Al-Nassr can't find a way to disturb that two-goal cushion, and the game's settled into a bit of a lull.
32 minutes gone and the shape of this game hasn't shifted an inch, Al-Ittihad ticking things over with 58% of possession. Al-Nassr look short on ideas, still chasing that two-goal deficit without much to show for it.
Half an hour gone plus one, and Al-Ittihad are still happy to sit on that 59% share without any urgency. Al-Nassr remain two goals adrift, struggling to get any real purchase on this game.
29 minutes played and Al-Ittihad's share of possession has crept up to 59 percent now, really dictating the tempo. Al-Nassr are down two and starting to look like they're just waiting for something to fall their way.
28 minutes on the clock and nothing's changed in the pattern, Al-Ittihad content to keep their 55% grip on the ball. Al-Nassr just can't find a foothold to climb back into this one.
Twenty-seven minutes gone and it's the same story, Al-Ittihad holding 55% of possession without needing to force the issue. Al-Nassr are stuck two goals down and still searching for a way back into this.
Half hour approaching and Al-Ittihad still edging things at 55% of the ball, comfortable enough with that two-goal cushion. Al-Nassr need something different here, because right now they're just chasing shadows.
Twenty-four minutes in and the numbers barely shift, Al-Ittihad still shading possession at 56%. Al-Nassr look no closer to breaking that two-goal wall right now.
Twenty-three on the clock and Al-Ittihad continue to dominate the ball, 59% to their name now. Al-Nassr just can't find a foothold in this game, still staring at that two-goal deficit.
Nineteen minutes played and it's now 2-0, Al-Ittihad content to let this stretch simmer with 55% possession. Al-Nassr need to find a spark, and quickly, before this gets away from them.
Eighteen minutes gone and the pattern holds, Al-Ittihad edging possession 55-45 without needing to force anything. Al-Nassr sit in, still hunting a way back from that early setback.
Nothing dramatic to add here, Al-Ittihad just keep ticking things over with 55% of the ball. Al-Nassr are yet to really force the issue, still trailing by that solitary goal.
Sixteen minutes on the clock and Al-Nassr still can't quite wrestle their way into this one, Al-Ittihad's 56% slice of the ball keeping them pinned back. That single goal continues to separate the two sides.
Quarter of an hour played and it's much the same story, Al-Ittihad happy to dominate the ball at 58% while Al-Nassr wait for their moment. Still just the one goal in it.
Nothing to report by way of chances, just Al-Ittihad content to pass it around and make Al-Nassr chase shadows. The scoreline hasn't budged, still 1-0, and neither has that possession split really.
Twelve minutes gone and Al-Ittihad are content to keep things ticking over, holding that 56% share while Al-Nassr search for a foothold. Still 1-0, still fairly cagey without the ball changing hands in dramatic fashion.
Al-Nassr just trying to find their feet here, but Ittihad continue to see more of the ball as the game settles into an early rhythm.
Ittihad already two to the good through George Ilenikhena's early strike, and they're the ones dictating things so far with the bulk of possession.