Al-Riyadh vs Al-Ittihad: The clash of the titans that brought the Saudi Pro League to a standstill at King Abdullah Sports City

What a game, folks! If you're still sceptical about Saudi football, you're missing out on historic moments. This Friday, the ball rolled for one of the most anticipated clashes of matchday 26 in the Saudi Pro League: Al-Riyadh vs Al-Ittihad. And, as expected, the spectacle didn't disappoint.

The setting couldn't have been more epic. We've moved from traditional stadiums to a true modern cauldron, the King Abdullah Sports City. When Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh takes place at this venue, the city of Jeddah literally grinds to a halt. And mind you, Al-Riyadh aren't exactly the home team, but the grandeur of the stadium and the atmosphere created by the fans turned the night into something special.

The tactical battle no one expected

Many thought Al Riyadh vs Al Ittihad would be a one-sided affair for the team with the bigger investment. But football, my friends, is full of surprises. Al-Riyadh came out with a combative attitude, shutting down spaces and relying on counter-attacks. In the opening minutes, tension took over. Al-Ittihad, with their star-studded squad, were exchanging passes in midfield but kept hitting the wall put up by the opposition.

What we saw was an intense chess match. For those who enjoy a deeper analysis, you could see how Al-Ittihad's midfield struggled to link defence and attack. That's where the importance of a game-changing number 10 comes in. In a flash of genius, on 35 minutes of the first half, came the goal that changed the story. A solo run down the right wing, cutting inside, and a placed shot into the top corner. What a goal! End of the first half, and the score read: 1-0 to Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh.

The second half and Al-Riyadh's pressure

If you thought the game ended at half-time, you were very mistaken. The second half was pure emotion. Al-Riyadh came back a different team. They went for it, without fear. And the King Abdullah Sports City, which had previously been buzzing with Al-Ittihad's stars, began to feel the squeeze. On 15 minutes, from a well-taken set piece, Al-Ittihad's defence faltered and Al-Riyadh's striker rose highest to head into the back of the net. Al-Riyadh vs Al-Ittihad was now 1-1, and the game was on fire!

The final minutes were heart-stopping. Al-Ittihad's manager made changes, bringing on more attacking players. Al-Riyadh, meanwhile, held on as best they could, relying on counter-attacks. There were woodwork strikes at both ends, spectacular saves from the keepers, and displays of great fighting spirit.

• Possession: Al-Ittihad dominated with 65%, but Al-Riyadh were lethal with the 35% they had.
• Shots: 18 in total, a showcase of attacks against defences.
• Cards: 5 yellows, showing the tension and the strong tackling in this classic.
• Attendance: Over 50,000 souls at the King Abdullah Sports City, proof of the strength of local football.

And when everything seemed to be heading for a draw, in the 47th minute of the second half, in the dying seconds, Al-Ittihad set up a corner kick move. The ball swung into the box, a glancing header at the near post, and a big centre-back appeared behind the defence to tap into an empty net. Total explosion! Full time: Al-Riyadh 1-2 Al-Ittihad.

It was one of those games you remember. A breathtaking Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh that showed the evolution and competitiveness of the Saudi league. For those who follow closely, it's no longer a surprise to see such thrilling games there. Now we wait for the next chapters, because the championship is far from having a defined outcome. And we, lovers of good football, can only benefit.