Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The King Fahd International Stadium was an electrifying setting Tuesday evening as Al-Hilal faced Al-Ittihad in a thrilling Kings’ Cup quarter-final match. The legendary rivalry between these two Saudi football powerhouses came to life, resulting in an exciting encounter that was as intense as it was controversial.
The atmosphere was charged from the start, with fans from both clubs creating a cacophony of support that echoed through the stadium. What unfolded on the pitch was a spirited contest, with each team spurning scoring chances and showing off their prowess.
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As the match progressed, tensions came to a head in the 68th minute when Al-Ittihad star striker Ahmed Musa went down in the box after what many said was a foul. To the dismay of the Al-Ittihad camp, the referee allowed the game to continue, sparking a wave of protests from players and fans. The video replays seemed to confirm the presence of a foul, further fueling the debate over the refereeing decisions taken throughout the match.
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Despite the drama that unfolded, none of the teams gave up their fight, displaying skill and determination. Ultimately, it was Al-Hilal who emerged victorious, securing a 2-1 victory thanks to a late shot from Salem Al-Dawsari.
The victory propels Al-Hilal into the semi-finals of the Kings Cup, where they are set to face rivals Al-Nassr. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad will be left to reflect on a tough battle which, although it ended in disappointment, also showcased their abilities on the field.
The encounter served as a powerful reminder of the raw energy and fervor that defines Saudi football. The fierce rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad consistently delivers thrilling moments, adding another chapter to their legendary story.
In a post-match interview, Al-Ittihad coach Laurent Blanc spoke candidly about the controversial penalty incident and his team’s overall performance:
“It’s disappointing not to get the result we were hoping for. I felt we played to our strengths and created quality chances. The moment we were denied the penalty was decisive. I really believe that There was a foul, though, that’s part of the game. I’m really proud of the way my players fought; they showed real courage until the last whistle.”
