Al Ittihad delivered their most significant result of the season on Saturday, beating title holders Al Nassr 2-1 at King Abdullah Sports City to record their first win over the Riyadh club since last season. George Ilenikhena was the standout performer, scoring both goals in the opening 22 minutes to put the game beyond Al Nassr before Angelo Gabriel pulled one back. The victory ended Al Nassr's unbeaten start to the campaign and sent a clear message about Al Ittihad's intentions after a disappointing 2025-26 season in which they finished fifth without a trophy.

The win moves Jens Scheuer's side to 11 points from five games, sitting fourth in the Saudi Pro League table, one point behind Al Nassr and four adrift of leaders Al Hilal, who remain perfect. Al Ittihad's record of three wins and two draws is the only unbeaten record outside of Al Hilal, which adds weight to their title credentials despite the gap at the top.

Off the pitch, the transfer window remains active in Saudi Arabia, and the club is still working to fill the void left by Moussa Diaby's return to Bayer Leverkusen. Al Ittihad have raised their bid for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa to 37.5 million euros after an opening offer of 30 million was rejected, with Feyenoord's coach suggesting the player is likely to stay but acknowledging the club would weigh its options. Colombian midfielder Richard Rios has also joined on loan from Benfica. Al-Fayha visit King Abdullah Sports City on Tuesday as Al Ittihad look to build on this momentum.