Video – Houssem Aouar scores to lead 10-man Al Ittihad to draw with Al Hilal in Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against visiting Al Ittihad on Saturday in Matchweek 23 of the Saudi Pro League, in a dramatic encounter that saw an early goal, a red card, and a resilient comeback.

The match began in explosive fashion. Just five minutes in, Hilal took the lead through Brazilian winger Malcom after a well-worked attacking move. Former Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, who joined Hilal during the winter transfer window, played a role in the buildup, slipping a pass to Salem Al-Dawsari. Al-Dawsari delivered a low cross that Malcom converted successfully.

سالم يصنع 🅰️
مالكوم يسجل ⚽️

حكاية هدف الهلال في الكلاسيكو 🔥#الهلال_الاتحاد | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/VgotaWC4wk

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) February 21, 2026

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Ittihad. In the ninth minute, defender Hassan Kadesh was shown a red card after VAR review for bringing down Malcom, leaving the visitors a man down for over 80 minutes.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ittihad showed character after the break. In the 52nd minute, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti delivered a cross from the right flank, which Algerian player Houssem Aouar met with a header into the corner to level the score.

مهند يصنع 🅰️
عوار يسجل ⚽️

حكاية هدف الاتحاد في الكلاسيكو 🔥 #الهلال_الاتحاد | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/3Do1CW8sDk

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) February 21, 2026

The result sees Al Hilal move to 54 points, sitting in the second place, one point behind leaders Al Nassr FC. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad rise to 38 points, sitting sixth in the league standings.

This goal marks the fifth for Houssem Aouar in his last four matches for Al Ittihad Club, while he has also registered an assist during the same period.

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