Al-Ittihad Jeddah broke the jinx of its rival Al-Hilal after it had lasted for more than three full years in various competitions.

Al-Ittihad Jeddah defeated Al-Hilal 3-1 on penalties after the regular and extra time ended in a 2-2 draw in the Saudi King’s Cup quarter-finals.

Karim Benzema scored both goals for Al-Ittihad, while Salem Al-Dawsari and Leonardo Silva scored for Al-Hilal.

“That walks like this, like this,” was the most famous chant of the fans of the hugely popular Al-Ittihad club, which was present at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Al-Hilal’s home ground, after the match ended.

Al-Ittihad Jeddah booked a place in the semi-finals of the Saudi King’s Cup after eliminating defending champions Al-Hilal.

Al-Ittihad, Al-Shabab, Al-Raed, and Al-Qadisiyah are competing to win this season’s Saudi King’s Cup.

Al-Ittihad Jeddah managed to defeat Al-Hilal for the first time since their last victory over Al-Hilal on April 9, 2021, in the Saudi League.

Al-Hilal, the Saudi King’s Cup title holders, were eliminated from the competition, joining Al-Nassr, the runner-up in the last edition, who were eliminated in the round of 16.

Match description

Al-Hilal started the match by pressing Al-Ittihad’s goal, looking to score an early goal.

The post denied Al-Hilal from scoring after a powerful shot from Salem Al-Dawsari.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan wasted another chance to score after a header from inside the penalty area.

Benzema shot a powerful shot that was brilliantly saved by Yassine Bounou.

In the second half, Mohannad Al-Shanqeeti sent a cross that Benzema received brilliantly and shot into the net in the 63rd minute.

Al Hilal responded through Salem Al Dawsari after he was completely alone in front of the goal and placed the ball to the left of goalkeeper Rajkovic in the 72nd minute.

The post intervened again to prevent Malcolm from scoring Al Hilal’s second goal.

In the first extra time, Marcos Leonardo scored the second goal after taking advantage of a perfect pass from Mutab Al-Harbi in the 101st minute.

Benzema then scored the equalizer with a rocket of a shot from Mohannad Al-Shanqeeti.

Penalty kicks

In the penalty shootout, Savic scored for Al Hilal, while Mohammed Kano, Marcus Leonardo and Malcom missed.

Benzema, Fabinho and Danilo Pereira scored to give Al-Ittihad a 3-1 win and a place in the semi-finals.

Source: Filgoal