Match Report
The table gap was wide: 16 points between Al Ittihad (1st, 16 pts) and Al Arabi (4th, 0 pts). The last five rounds placed Al-Arabi SC no better than 32nd for form, against 4th in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 2.17/0.67 for Al Ittihad and 0.67/2.67 for Al Arabi (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.41.
Defeat had followed defeat for Al Arabi — four in succession. Al Ittihad had banked 10 of the last 15 points on offer; Al Arabi, 3.
Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah staged the fixture, a ground that holds 23,000. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Al Arabi led 2-1 at the break, before 2 more goals closed it at 3-2.


