Aubameyang’s Heroics Stun Al Hilal as Title Race Heats Up

TDT | Manama
Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com

Week 17 of the Saudi Pro League delivered high drama, stunning results, and moments of individual brilliance that have reshaped the title race. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Georges-Kévin N’Koudou, and Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show, while Al Hilal and Al Ittihad suffered setbacks in a weekend of surprises.

Aubameyang Stuns the Champions

Al Qadsiah, the team that continues to defy expectations, recorded a massive 2-1 victory over reigning champions Al Hilal, thanks to a stunning brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward wasted no time, opening the scoring just two minutes into the match with a sharp finish off a well-worked corner routine. It was his ninth goal of the season, but he wasn’t done yet.

Despite dominating possession with 66 percent of the ball, Al Hilal found themselves frustrated by Al Qadsiah’s resolute defense and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Marcos Leonardo eventually found a way through for Al Hilal, equalizing in the 50th minute with a crisp finish from outside the box. However, in dramatic fashion, Aubameyang sealed the victory in stoppage time, capitalizing on a precise pass from Julian Quiñones to send Al Qadsiah’s fans into ecstasy.

With the win, Al Qadsiah remains third in the table, closing the gap to just six points behind Al Hilal and joint-leader Al Ittihad.

Damac’s Late Strike Stuns Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad, fresh off an opportunity to seize control of the title race, stumbled at Damac in a shock 2-1 defeat. Cameroon international Georges-Kévin N’Koudou was the architect of Al Ittihad’s downfall, scoring twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner that sent the home fans into raptures.

N’Koudou’s first goal came in spectacular fashion, curling a powerful strike into the top corner from 25 yards. Al Ittihad, led by captain Karim Benzema, responded right before halftime, with the Frenchman heading home a pinpoint cross from Abdulrahman Al-Oboud. Despite multiple second-half chances, including a disallowed goal from Danilo Pereira, it was Damac who had the final say. Deep into stoppage time, N’Koudou struck again, his shot taking a cruel deflection past goalkeeper Predrag Rajković to hand Damac a famous victory.

The result means Al Ittihad missed a golden opportunity to leapfrog Al Hilal, leaving both sides locked at the top on points but vulnerable to the chasing pack.

Ronaldo Keeps Al Nassr in the Hunt

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his blistering form, netting his eighth goal in seven games to help Al Nassr secure a 3-1 victory over Al Fateh. The Portuguese star’s goal maintained his lead in the Golden Boot race, edging out Benzema, Aleksandar Mitrović, and N’Koudou.

Al Nassr controlled proceedings from the outset, taking the lead just before halftime through an own goal forced by Ângelo Gabriel. Mohamed Simakan doubled the lead in the second half before Al Fateh briefly pulled one back following a mistake from Al Nassr’s goalkeeper. But Ronaldo, ever the clutch performer, sealed the win in the 75th minute, finishing off a pinpoint cross from Sadio Mané.

With the victory, Al Nassr stays firmly in the title conversation, just two points behind Al Qadsiah.

Elsewhere in the League

Al Ahli flexed their attacking muscles with a 5-0 demolition of Al Riyadh, led by a brace from Ivan Toney. Al Shabab’s veteran striker Abderrazak Hamdallah once again delivered in stoppage time, converting a penalty to hand his side a 2-1 victory over Al Fayha.

Meanwhile, Al Wehda and Al Ettifaq played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, and Al Khaleej edged past Al Akhdoud with a hard-fought 2-1 win. Mali’s Aliou Dieng was the hero for Al Kholood, scoring a late winner against Al Raed.

As the league enters a crucial stretch, the competition is heating up, and with Aubameyang’s resurgence, Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of the Golden Boot, and unexpected upsets shaking the standings, the battle for the Saudi Pro League title is far from over.