Al-Fateh 2-2 Al-Ittihad: Vargas Delivers Dramatic Stoppage-time Leveller

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Al-Fateh rescued a 2-2 draw against Al-Ittihad thanks to a stunning 99th-minute goal from Matias Vargas, denying the visitors back-to-back Saudi Pro League victories and halting the hosts’ two-game losing streak in a tense contest at Maydan Tamweel Aloula.

The result keeps Al-Ittihad in sixth place in the Saudi Pro League table, while Al-Fateh stay ninth, nine points behind Al-Ittihad, though the late equaliser delivers a rare home point for Jose Gomes’ side after a long run of decisive results.

Al-Ittihad create the better chances overall and finish with 2.26 expected goals, compared to Al-Fateh’s 1.77, yet still leave without victory, extending a poor away sequence that now stretches to three league matches, the club’s longest such run since April 2025.

Vargas’ long-range strike also brings a notable landmark for Al-Fateh, as the draw is their first in a home Saudi Pro League fixture across 16 outings, ending the club’s longest sequence of consecutive league matches on their own ground without sharing the points.

Saleh Al Shehri scores both Al-Ittihad goals, opening the scoring on 25 minutes after sharp work from Mahamadou Doumbia on the flank, with a low delivery diverted into the six-yard area and finished clinically from close range by Al Shehri.

Before the match explodes in the closing stages, Al-Fateh threaten several times as Roger Fernandes and Mourad Batna each spurn major opportunities, yet the equaliser eventually arrives on 74 minutes when Batna converts a penalty after the ball strikes Danilo Pereira’s arm inside the box.

The visitors respond quickly as Doumbia drives a shot that is ruled to have hit Saeed Baattia on the hand, allowing Al Shehri to step up from 12 yards and send goalkeeper Pacheco the wrong way, restoring Al-Ittihad’s advantage and seemingly settling the contest in their favour.

Drama continues deep into stoppage time, with Al-Fateh head coach Jose Gomes dismissed for dissent shortly before the decisive moment, and as the 99th minute ticks over, Vargas gathers possession outside the penalty area and drills past Predrag Rajkovic, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd.

The late twist means Al-Ittihad extend an unwanted away streak in the Saudi Pro League and Al-Fateh finally collect a draw at home after 16 matches, leaving both clubs reflecting on missed chances and defensive lapses rather than a decisive step forward in their league campaigns.