NEOM FC Stuns Defending Champions Al Ittihad in Seven Goal Thriller

Fast Start Sets the Tone for NEOM

In one of the most dramatic matches of the Saudi Pro League season, NEOM FC delivered a statement victory, defeating defending champions Al Ittihad 4-3 on Wednesday night on the road. Alaa Hejji stunned the hosts with a stoppage time winner to send Al Ittihad to a third defeat in four matches.

Watch the highlights of this dramatic NEOM FC victory here

NEOM wasted no time asserting themselves, striking just minutes into the match to silence the home crowd. Said Benrahma’s early goal set the tone, and the visitors doubled their advantage before the midway point of the first half when Luciano Rodriguez found the back of the net in the 16th minute, taking full control and putting the reigning champions under immediate pressure.

Champions Fight Back Before the Break

As expected, Al Ittihad responded with urgency. Their attacking quality began to show late in the first half, as they clawed their way back into the match with two quick goals from Moroccan star Youssef En-Nesyri to level the score at 2-2 before halftime.

The shift in momentum carried into the second half, where Al Ittihad completed the turnaround and took a 3-2 lead just four minutes after the break, putting NEOM on the brink and seemingly in control of the match.

NEOM FC Shows Resilience

Rather than collapsing under pressure, NEOM showed composure and determination. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer and were rewarded six minutes later, as Muhammad Al-Saad scored in the 55th minute to set up a tense finish.

Both sides created chances as the match opened up, with end to end action keeping fans on edge. Defensive gaps appeared on both ends, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough during regulation time.

Late Drama Seals Historic Win

As the match headed into stoppage time, the points looked set to be shared. However, NEOM had other plans.

In the 91st minute, Alaa Hejji delivered the decisive moment, finding the back of the net to complete a stunning late winner and seal a 4 to 3 victory.

A Statement Result

The win stands as a significant moment for NEOM FC, not only for the result itself but for the manner in which they achieved it. Overcoming a comeback from the defending champions highlights the club’s growing confidence and ability to compete at the highest level.

For Al Ittihad, the result serves as a reminder that no match comes easy, even at home. For NEOM, it is a statement performance that will resonate across the Saudi League as the season continues.