Al Shabab vs Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad Celebrates Title as They Face Al Shabab

Al Ittihad, the newly minted 2024-25 Saudi Pro League champions, are in high spirits as they gear up to meet Al Shabab in their second-to-last match of the season.

The People's Club sealed the championship with a 3-1 win over Al Raed in their last away fixture. Meanwhile, Al Shabab, with only pride on the line, are eager to cap their campaign on a positive note.

The title-deciding match at King Abdullah Sports City saw Al Ittihad overcome an early deficit after Oumar Gonzalez scored for relegated Al Raed in the ninth minute. Under Laurent Blanc’s leadership, goals from Steven Bergwijn, Danilo Pereira, and Abdulrahman Alobud turned the tide, with the latter striking just after the break.

This win extended Al Ittihad’s streak to four consecutive victories, each featuring three goals, totaling 77 points. Their superior head-to-head record against second-placed Al Hilal, who were nine points behind before their gameweek 31 clash, ensured the title with two matches remaining.

Leading by six points, speculation surrounds whether Al Shabab will offer a guard of honor for the champions. Last season, Al Shabab won this fixture 1-0 and also triumphed 3-1 in the reverse match. However, Al Ittihad’s 2-1 victory over the White Lions earlier this season sets them up for a potential league double, last achieved in 2019-20.

Al Shabab previously stirred controversy by refusing a guard of honor for Al Ahli after their 2025 AFC Champions League success. That match ended in a 3-1 win for Fatih Terim’s team, followed by another 3-1 victory against rivals Al Riyadh.

With 57 points from 17 wins, 16 draws, and nine losses, Al Shabab are confirmed in sixth place, unable to move up or down. This season marks their best performance in 13 years, equaling their 2020-21 points total with two games to go.

At home, Al Shabab have secured 32 points from 16 league matches and will aim to test the champions with confidence.