Al Raed vs Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad Eye Saudi Pro League Title as They Face Already-Relegated Al Raed

Al Ittihad could be crowned Saudi Pro League champions on Thursday when they take on bottom-placed Al Raed, who have already been confirmed for relegation.

With just three matches left in the season, the league leaders hold a six-point advantage at the top. A win for Al Ittihad, combined with a stumble from second-placed Al Hilal against Al Fateh, would secure the title for the Jeddah giants.

Laurent Blanc’s side comes into this match in strong form, having comfortably defeated Al Fayha 3-0 in their last outing. Karim Benzema shined with a brace, while an own goal from Mohammed Kareem Al Baqawi sealed the victory—their third consecutive league win.

The Tigers also ended a four-game winless streak on the road with a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Al Nassr and will now aim to secure back-to-back away victories for the first time since February. With the title within reach, Blanc’s men are heavily favored to claim all three points.

Benzema, meanwhile, will be eager to close the gap on Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race. The Portuguese superstar currently leads with 23 goals, two ahead of the French striker.

On the other hand, Al Raed’s fate has already been sealed following a 1-0 defeat to Damak last weekend. Their relegation marks the end of a dismal campaign, with just six wins and three draws in 31 matches. Sitting 11 points from safety with only three games left, their drop to the second tier is now inevitable.

As one of just five clubs to have been demoted in the top division since the SPL era started in the 2008–09 season, together with Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Shabab, it signaled the end of an era for the team.

As they enter Thursday's match, they have little hope because they have lost their past 10 league games played on their home field (D1, L9) and their last home victory was in mid-November.

In addition to having a dismal record against Al-Ittihad—winning just twice in 17 home games—Raed Al Tahadi has also given up two goals or more in eight of those games.