Al Ittihad produced a dramatic late show to edge out Al Hazem 3-2 in a pulsating Saudi Professional League clash at the King Abdullah Sports City on the night of August 25, 2026. The result extended the Jeddah giants' strong start to the season, but it was anything but comfortable against a determined Al Hazem side that twice threatened to take something from the match.

Match Overview

What began as a routine evening for the home side quickly turned into a test of character. Al Hazem, known for their compact defensive structure and physical pressing, unsettled Al Ittihad early on. The visitors' willingness to sit deep and hit on the break made life difficult, and the Jeddah faithful were forced to wait until the final stages before the three points were secured. The final scoreline of 3-2 reflected the relentlessness of the match — and the hosts' ability to find solutions under pressure.

How the Game Unfolded

Al Ittihad dominated possession from the first whistle, with their midfield trio controlling the tempo. The opening goal arrived midway through the first half after a quick exchange on the right flank. A low cross was turned in from close range, sending the home supporters into celebration. However, Al Hazem hit back almost immediately when a defensive slip allowed their striker to race through on goal and slot calmly past the advancing goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1.

The second half followed a similar rhythm. Ittihad pushed forward with increasing urgency, and their pressure paid off when a well-worked set-piece header restored the lead. Yet Al Hazem showed immense resilience, equalizing again in the 70th minute with a thunderous strike from outside the box that gave the goalkeeper no chance. With the score at 2-2 and time running out, the match had all the makings of an upset.

Late Drama and the Winner

Just when it seemed Al Hazem would secure a hard-earned point, Al Ittihad's quality told. In the 86th minute, a clever one-two on the edge of the box pulled the Al Hazem defense apart, and the composed finish flew into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted as the home side completed a 3-2 victory, their second consecutive league win of the campaign.

Standings Impact

The win kept Al Ittihad in the early-season hunt at the top of the Saudi Professional League standings, building momentum as they chase a spot in the AFC Champions League. For Al Hazem, the narrow defeat offered plenty of encouragement. They showed character and tactical discipline against one of the league's heavyweights, and will look to convert such performances into points in the weeks ahead.

With both sides showing attacking intent and defensive vulnerability in equal measure, this was a classic Saudi Pro League fixture — and one that underlined the increasing competitiveness of the division.