Al-Ittihad celebrate title with win, Al-Qadsiah strengthen grip on third

Al-Ittihad marked their first game since clinching the Saudi Pro League title with an entertaining 3-2 win over Al-Shabab, while Al-Qadsiah beat Al-Orobah 3-1 to inch closer to a third-place finish.

Al-Ittihad were crowned Saudi Arabian champions for the 10th time when they beat Al-Raed 3-1 last week, seizing the trophy from Al-Hilal with two games to spare.

Their celebrations continued on Tuesday as Moussa Diaby scored two wonderful goals in a hard-earned win over sixth-placed Al-Shabab.

The former Aston Villa forward crashed a brilliant effort into the far corner after just 28 seconds, then raced in behind to lob the stranded Heorhii Bushchan from distance in the 34th minute.

Yannick Carrasco got one back for Al-Shabab, but Steven Bergwijn was fed by N’Golo Kante on the break as Al-Ittihad pulled clear again.

Al-Shabab generated plenty of threat, amassing 21 shots worth 2.15 expected goals (xG) to the champions’ six attempts and 1.67 xG, but Cristian Guanca’s 67th-minute strike proved a mere consolation.

| Highlights from #Alittihad_Alshabab game pic.twitter.com/c9p36YKOtY

— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) May 20, 2025

Elsewhere, Al-Qadsiah pulled clear of Al-Nassr in the race for third as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half brace helped them to victory in Dammam.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker struck twice after Julian Quinones helped himself to a 65th-minute opener, with Omar Al Somah getting a stoppage-time consolation for Al-Orobah.

Al-Orobah could now be relegated by Thursday, depending on the results of Al-Wehda and Al Fateh, while Al-Qadsiah will beat Al-Nassr to third if they beat Al-Hilal in their final game next Monday.

Data Debrief: Golden Boot race over?

Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to land a major trophy since ing Al-Nassr, though he does lead the way in the chase for the Golden Boot – the main point of interest in the Saudi Pro League after the title was sewn up.

Ronaldo has 23 goals in the competition this season, and perhaps his most likely contender failed to find the net on Tuesday.

Al-Shabab’s Abderrazzaq Hamed-Allah, who has 21 goals, was kept out by the Al-Ittihad defence, while Karim Benzema – also on 21 – has missed the champions’ last two games through injury.