Saudi Gazette report

DAMMAM — Al-Khaleej snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against league leaders Al-Ittihad with a stoppage-time penalty, denying the visitors a crucial victory in the final match of the Saudi Pro League’s Round 22 on Wednesday.

Al-Ittihad looked set to restore their seven-point lead over second-placed Al-Hilal but instead remain atop the table with 56 points, just five ahead of their closest rivals, who sit at 51.

The hosts started the match on the front foot, forcing goalkeeper Predrag Rajković into multiple saves to keep Al-Ittihad in the game.

Despite Al-Khaleej’s early dominance, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 78th minute, calmly slotting in a close-range finish after a low cross.

Al-Ittihad appeared to be heading for victory until deep into stoppage time when the referee awarded a penalty for a handball by Saad Al-Mousa.

Greek playmaker Kostas Fortounis stepped up to convert from the spot in the sixth minute of added time, securing a valuable point for Al-Khaleej.

The result lifts Al-Khaleej to ninth place with 29 points, while Al-Ittihad will now feel the pressure from Al-Hilal as the title race tightens.