Quinones Brace Seals Win As Al-Qadsiah Close On Top Three In Saudi Pro League

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Julian Quinones scored twice as Al-Qadsiah came from behind to defeat Al-Ittihad 2-1 in the Saudi Pro League, securing a sixth straight league victory and closing the gap in the table to within one point of Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli in the race behind the leaders.

Al-Qadsiah limited Al-Ittihad to nine shots while attempting ten themselves, yet the quality of chances separated the sides, with the hosts posting 1.94 expected goals compared with 1.45 for Al-Ittihad, underlining how Quinones and teammates created clearer openings across the ninety minutes.

Al-Ittihad struck first after an energetic start that saw Houssem Aouar head against the post, and the visitors led when Karim Benzema calmly converted a penalty, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper after Gaston Alvarez had committed a clumsy foul on Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti inside the area.

The advantage lasted only until the 37th minute, when Al-Qadsiah punished slack defending; Christopher Bonsu Baah fizzed a low cross into the box, the ball travelled through Danilo Pereira’s legs, and Quinones reacted quickest to guide a simple finish into an unguarded net for the equaliser.

Al-Qadsiah emerged from the break on top, and Mateo Retegui almost turned the match when a powerful half-volley crashed against the woodwork, yet the pressure finally told as Quinones controlled a pass from Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, rolled the marker, and drove a clinical strike past Mohammed Al Absi.

Al-Ittihad pushed for a response and believed an opportunity had arrived when appealing for a second penalty; the incident went to a VAR review at the pitchside monitor, but officials rejected the claim, leaving Al-Qadsiah to protect the narrow lead at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium through the closing stages.

Saudi Pro League numbers highlight Quinones influence

The statistical picture reflected Quinones’ influence in attack and out of possession; the forward attempted four shots, hit the target twice, and scored with both efforts on goal, while also excelling in the press by regaining the ball three times in the final third and nine times across the pitch.

Those two goals move Quinones to 15 in the Saudi Pro League season, leaving the forward one behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads the scoring chart with 16, as Al-Qadsiah’s current winning sequence strengthens their position among the leading clubs while Al-Ittihad reflect on missed chances.