Marcelo Gallardo's Al-Ittihad, led on the pitch by Frenchman Karim Benzema, came off badly on their return to the Saudi Arabian league after their participation in the Club World Cup, losing 3-1 at home to Al-Raed, who took advantage of a brace from Morocco's Karim El Berkaoui.

Al Ittihad's return to domestic action was not as fruitful as they had hoped, as they suffered their second defeat in a row and moved further and further away from the top of the standings on matchday 18.

Gallardo's side were also down a player from the 12th minute after Madallah Al Olayan was sent off with a straight red card. The visitors then took the lead through El Berkaoui's first goal, but three minutes later, in the 25th minute, Romarinho equalised when he received a ball from his compatriot Igor Coronado.

But in the second half, El Berkaoui scored again to put Al-Raed ahead. Gallardo reacted and took off Benzema, who had a dull game. He was replaced by Saleh Al Amri. In the last minute, Mohammed Al Dossary netted the third for Croatian coach Igor Jovicevic's side.

Al-Ittihad have only one win in their last four matches, and remain sixth in the standings, outside the top places, but with a game in hand.

Al-Raed's victory was enough to lift them out of relegation, with Al-Riyadh and Abha both dropping to relegation. Earlier, Alvaro Medran's Al-Taawon lost to Al-Fateh (1-3), who took advantage of the inspiration of Saad Al Sharfa to win.

Salem Al Najdi scored the other goal for the visitors while, in stoppage time, Joao Pedro made amends for the home side's setback.

December 23, 2023

Mohammed Al Doseri

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