Al-Ittihad Beat Al-Nassr 2-1 as Ilenikhena Scores Twice
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept 6: Al-Ittihad ended Al-Nassr’s perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season with a 2-1 victory in a high-profile Matchweek 5 encounter at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah.
George Ilenikhena delivered the decisive performance for the hosts, scoring twice inside the opening 22 minutes before Angelo Gabriel pulled a goal back for Al-Nassr before halftime. Neither side found the net after the interval, allowing Al-Ittihad to secure three valuable points.
Ilenikhena double gives Al-Ittihad early control
Al-Ittihad made a dream start as Ilenikhena opened the scoring in the fourth minute, immediately putting the visitors under pressure.
The forward struck again in the 22nd minute to make it 2-0 and give the Jeddah side firm control of the contest. His latest brace continued an impressive scoring spell after he also found the net twice during Al-Ittihad’s recent King’s Cup victory.
Al-Nassr responded in the 36th minute through Angelo Gabriel, whose goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 and ensured the visitors remained firmly in contention heading into halftime.
Al-Nassr unable to complete comeback
With only one goal separating the teams, Al-Nassr entered the second half searching for an equalizer while Al-Ittihad looked to protect the advantage established by Ilenikhena’s early double.
The hosts successfully preserved their lead through the remainder of the contest, handing Al-Nassr its first league defeat of the campaign.
Al-Nassr had entered Matchweek 5 with 12 points from four victories, having maintained its winning start with a comeback victory over Al-Taawoun in its previous league outing.
Also Read: Al-Ittihad set to test Al-Nassr’s perfect start
What does Al-Ittihad’s win mean for the Saudi Pro League standings?
The victory lifted Al-Ittihad to 11 points and fourth place in the Saudi Pro League standings after five rounds. Al-Nassr remained on 12 points and occupied second place following its first setback of the season.
The result also tightened the battle near the top of the table, with just one point separating Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad after Matchweek 5.
Who scored in Al-Ittihad’s 2-1 win over Al-Nassr?
George Ilenikhena scored both Al-Ittihad goals, finding the net in the fourth and 22nd minutes. Angelo Gabriel scored Al-Nassr’s only goal in the 36th minute.
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr: Key match facts
- Final score: Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Nassr
- Competition: Saudi Pro League, Matchweek 5
- Venue: Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
- Al-Ittihad scorers: George Ilenikhena (4′, 22′)
- Al-Nassr scorer: Angelo Gabriel (36′)
- Al-Ittihad points: 11
- Al-Nassr points: 12
For Al-Ittihad, the victory provides important momentum as the Jeddah club looks to strengthen its position among the Saudi Pro League’s leading contenders. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, will aim to respond quickly after seeing its four-match winning run brought to an end.