Saudi Arabia has missed the Jeddah Derby but it returned with a vengeance on Friday as a huge crowd of more than 55,000 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium saw Al-Ahli win 1-0 at Al-Ittihad.
“Al-Ahli are back” chanted the delighted away fans and with results like these, few could argue that the visitors, back in the top-flight after a one-season spell in the second tier, are not a force to be reckoned with. Now, they are level with Ittihad on 19 points, just three behind leaders Al-Taawoun.
Winning at the home of the champions is one thing, but when the atmosphere is as colorful and intense as this then it really was a special night for the thousands of visiting supporters.
It was far from an easy win, however, as Al-Ittihad had the tiger’s share of possession and chances with KarimBenzema putting the ball in the net twice.
Benzema, returned from injury, came so close to putting Ittihad ahead in the 11th minute but EdouardMendy just managed to get a leg out to the French striker’s shot and save his team.
