Thu May 08 07:34:29 UTC 2025: ## Al-Ittihad Extends Saudi League Lead, Crushing Al-Nassr’s Title Hopes

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Al-Ittihad dealt a significant blow to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr’s title aspirations, securing a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory Wednesday night. The win propels Al-Ittihad 11 points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with four games remaining, leaving Al-Nassr a distant fourth.

Al-Nassr took an early lead with goals from Sadio Mané (3rd minute) and Ayman Yahya (37th minute), the latter after a VAR review upheld a controversial hand-ball in the build-up. However, Al-Ittihad dominated the second half. Karim Benzema pulled one back in the 49th minute, and N’Golo Kanté equalized following a counter-attack. Houssem Aouar then secured the dramatic winner in stoppage time, finishing off a cross from Moussa Diaby.

The defeat is a major setback for Al-Nassr, dropping them to fourth place with 60 points. This significantly impacts their chances of qualifying for next season’s AFC Champions League, as only two Saudi teams qualify, and Al-Ahli recently won the continental title. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, are on the verge of a domestic double, having already reached the King Cup final, and now hold a commanding 71 points, six ahead of second-placed Al-Hilal.

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