Al Kholood vs Al-Ittihad FC Match Recap - Jan 9, 2026

Al-Ittihad FC Dominates Al Kholood: A 4-0 Statement Win

Al-Ittihad FC's emphatic 4-0 victory over Al Kholood underscores their growing dominance in the Saudi Pro League, propelled by the relentless form of Karim Benzema. The French striker's brace, including a penalty, not only solidifies his status as a key player but also highlights Al-Ittihad's offensive prowess, which has been a hallmark of their recent performances.

Al Kholood's struggles were exacerbated by an early red card for William Troost-Ekong, leaving them to navigate the match with ten men from the eighth minute. This dismissal set the tone for a match where Al-Ittihad capitalized on their numerical advantage, controlling possession with 68% and outpassing Al Kholood 157 to 74. The disparity in ball control reflects a broader trend in Al-Ittihad's recent matches, where they have consistently dictated play, averaging over 60% possession in their last five fixtures.

Benzema's scoring spree continues to be a defining narrative for Al-Ittihad. With two goals today, he now boasts an impressive tally of 25 goals across all competitions this season. His ability to find the net consistently has been crucial for a team that has now won four consecutive matches in the league. The synergy between Benzema and fellow attackers like Steven Bergwijn and Moussa Diaby creates a formidable front line that has overwhelmed defenses, as evidenced by their 19 shots per match average in recent outings.

Al Kholood's recent form presents a stark contrast to that of Al-Ittihad. Despite a stunning 5-0 victory against Al-Fayha just days prior, they have struggled to maintain consistency, suffering from defensive lapses that have seen them concede 13 goals in their last five league games. Their inability to cope with pressure was evident today, as they failed to create meaningful chances, managing only two shots on goal compared to Al-Ittihad's five.

The tactical setup of Al Kholood, featuring a 5-4-1 formation, aimed to absorb pressure but ultimately faltered under the weight of Al-Ittihad's attacking waves. The lack of support for Ramiro Enrique, who has been their standout performer with four goals this season, left him isolated and unable to influence the game effectively. The midfield's failure to connect with the forwards compounded their woes, resulting in a mere 74 total passes with an accuracy of 81%, significantly lower than Al-Ittihad's 93%.

Defensively, Al Kholood's structure crumbled under pressure, particularly after Troost-Ekong's dismissal. The red card not only diminished their defensive capabilities but also shifted the momentum entirely in favor of Al-Ittihad. The visitors took full advantage, with Fabinho and N'Golo Kanté dominating the midfield battle, allowing for fluid transitions into attack.

The match also highlighted the importance of discipline in high-stakes encounters. Al Kholood's physical approach led to more fouls, with three compared to Al-Ittihad's two. This lack of composure further hindered their ability to mount any significant challenge against a well-organized opponent.

Looking ahead, Al Kholood faces a critical match against Al Okhdood on January 13, where they must regroup and find a way to translate their attacking potential into consistent results. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad will aim to build on this momentum against Damac, with Benzema leading the charge as they seek to solidify their position in the top half of the table.

This match serves as a clear indicator of the contrasting trajectories of both teams. Al-Ittihad is riding high on confidence and form, while Al Kholood must confront their vulnerabilities head-on if they hope to escape the relegation zone. The narrative of this fixture encapsulates the ongoing battle between ambition and survival in the Saudi Pro League.