Al-Ittihad Edge Al-Taawoun 1-0 As Al Shanqiti Nets Decisive Goal In Narrow League Victory

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Al-Ittihad extended a strong revival in the Saudi Pro League with a 1-0 home win over Al-Taawoun, secured by Muhannad Al Shanqiti. The result made it four straight league victories for Sergio Conceicao's side and ended Al-Taawoun's 12-game unbeaten run, lifting Al-Ittihad to fifth after 12 matches.

The champions had gone five league games without success before this run, yet now sit eight points behind leaders Al-Nassr. Al-Taawoun, who had been in strong form, struggled in front of goal at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, failing to register a single effort on target across the 90 minutes.

Overall numbers underlined Al-Ittihad's control. The hosts produced 19 attempts and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.54. In contrast, Al-Taawoun managed just seven shots for an xG of 0.59, highlighting how rarely they threatened. None of those seven efforts tested the goalkeeper, reflecting a blunt attacking display.

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Despite that statistical edge, Al-Ittihad could not find a first-half breakthrough. Moussa Diaby, Muhannad Al Shanqiti and Karim Benzema each forced saves from goalkeeper Mailson, who kept the visitors level. The home side finished the opening period with nine shots, yet Al-Taawoun survived sustained pressure going into the interval.

The deadlock finally broke five minutes after the restart. Fabinho carried the ball from deep and the move developed quickly. Diaby collected possession inside the area and produced a precise pullback. Al Shanqiti arrived in space and drove a low finish into the net, giving Al-Ittihad a deserved advantage.

Al-Ittihad then searched for a second goal rather than protect the lead. Benzema drew another save from Mailson, who stayed busy throughout. Hamed Al Ghamdi struck the woodwork with around 20 minutes left, while Roger Fernandes shot off target later. Those misses did not prove costly, as the hosts closed out the win.

The data section of Al-Ittihad's performance centred on Fernandes, whose midfield energy stood out despite defeat. Fernandes led his side for chances created with five, total crosses with eight, successful dribbles with four and duels won with eight. That contribution highlighted Fernandes as Al-Taawoun's main creative outlet on a difficult evening.

The loss also extended a difficult pattern for Al-Taawoun in the first month of the year. Al-Taawoun have not won any of their last five January league matches (D3 L2) and have also now failed to score in their last four. For Al-Ittihad, the result maintained momentum and strengthened hopes of rejoining the Saudi Pro League title race.