Al Expert Vs Al Ittihad: Benzema And Kolega Failed Third-ranked Coup

Al Ahli narrowly won against Al Ittihad (Instagram/@alahliclub.sa).

JAKARTA - The top competition for the Saudi Arabian Pro League 2023/2024 is heating up. In the 26th week, Al Expert and Al Ittihad met to fight for third place in the standings.

The clashes between the two were presented at the home of Al Expert, King Abdullah Sports City, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the early hours of the morning.

The hosts managed to secure three points thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory. Al Expert's only goal was scored by Firas Al-Budikan in the 34th minute.

Firas managed to enter the scoreboard after using Roberto Firmino's assist.

The match actually went tight. Although Al Expert was able to excel in possession (54%), they actually packed fewer shots than the visitors, namely eight shots, two of which were right on target.

While Al Ittihad actually had more shots. Karim Benzema and colleagues were able to release 11 shots, four of which were aimed at the goal.

However, none of Al Ittihad's efforts paid off. On the other hand, Al Expert was able to maintain the advantage of the first half until the game was over.

An additional three points made Al Expert able to secure third place in the standings. This means that Al Ittihad failed to coup the opponent and remained stuck on the fourth stairs.

Al Expert now has 51 points, while Al Ittihad has 46 points. Before the 26th week of the match, they were only two points apart.

At least, Al Ahli can approach Al Nassr who is in second place in the 2023/2024 Saudi Arabia Pro League standings. They are only seven points apart from Cristiano Ronaldo cs.

However, Al Nassr has the possibility of moving back away because they haven't played the 26th week of the match. Kans Ronaldo and colleagues reaped the tripoin wide open because the opponent on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, is a resident of the relegation zone, Abha.

Meanwhile, there are still eight games left this season. At least Al Nassr, Al Expert, and Al Ittihad can still hunt second place in the standings to qualify directly for next season's Asian Champions League group stage.

Chasing the 2023/2024 Saudi Arabian Procedure League champions seems still difficult. You see, Al Hilal is comfortable at the top with 71 points, 12 points adrift of Al Nassr.