Ilenikhena double hands Al‑Nassr first defeat as Al‑Ittihad triumph 2‑1

Al‑Ittihad inflicted Al‑Nassr’s first defeat of the Saudi Pro League season with a 2‑1 derby win, powered by a superb first‑half brace from George Ilenikhena. The hosts struck immediately, scoring after just four minutes when the striker reacted fastest to a rebound off the post. Ilenikhena doubled the lead in the 20th minute, finishing confidently after meeting a precise pass from Aouar. With a two‑goal cushion, Al‑Ittihad controlled the tempo before dropping deeper after the break.

Al‑Nassr responded in the 36th minute as Cristiano Ronaldo initiated a move that ended with Angelo converting a rebound. The visitors dominated the second half, creating several chances, but goalkeeper Rajkovic delivered an inspired performance, denying Ronaldo and later Mane in stoppage time during a one‑on‑one opportunity. Richard Rios made his debut from the bench but could not change the outcome. The result leaves Al‑Nassr on twelve points, with Al‑Ittihad closing in on eleven.