The final day of the Saudi Pro League season delivered a stark contrast in fortunes for two of the competition’s most discussed clubs. While the title race reached its definitive conclusion elsewhere, Al Ittihad’s campaign ended on a difficult note, suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Al Qadisiah on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
For Al Ittihad, the match served as a sobering finale to a challenging season. Despite the team’s efforts to find a foothold in the game, the defensive structure was quickly dismantled by an aggressive Al Qadisiah side. The result leaves the club in fifth place as they head into the off-season, prompting questions about the squad’s consistency as they look toward future tactical adjustments.
A Difficult Finale for Al Ittihad
The match began with immediate pressure, as Al Ittihad conceded a goal within the first two minutes of play. The situation deteriorated further before the interval, as Julián Quiñones netted a brace in the 37th minute, putting the visitors in a commanding position. Youssef En-Nesyri provided a brief glimmer of hope for the home side, successfully converting a penalty in the 42nd minute to narrow the deficit just before halftime.
However, the momentum remained firmly with Al Qadisiah in the second half. Al Ittihad struggled to contain the opposition’s attack, conceding two additional goals in the 55th and 64th minutes. For En-Nesyri, the goal marked his seventh league strike of the season, a personal milestone in what has been a demanding campaign for the Moroccan international in the Saudi top flight.
GOOAAAAAAAAL! ⚽️But de Youssef En-Nesyri avec Al Ittihad en championnat. 🇲🇦🔥pic.twitter.com/YFKc6yoqxa— FRMFXtra (@FRMFXtra) May 21, 2026
League Context and Final Standings
While the focus at the stadium was on the match at hand, the broader narrative of the Saudi Pro League concluded with the official crowning of the champions. Al Nassr secured the league title on the same evening, marking a significant achievement for the club and their star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who concluded his season with a brace in a 4-1 victory over Damac.
For Al Ittihad, finishing the season in fifth place underscores the competitive nature of the league, where the margins between success and disappointment remain narrow. As the Saudi Pro League moves into the summer period, clubs will now shift their focus to recruitment and tactical planning for the 2026-2027 season. The league’s official website remains the primary resource for fans seeking confirmed details regarding the final points table, player statistics, and upcoming announcements regarding the next season’s calendar.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025-2026 domestic season now in the books, the attention of the footballing world in Saudi Arabia turns toward the upcoming transfer window and pre-season preparations. Fans are encouraged to follow official club channels and the Saudi Pro League’s digital platforms for verified updates regarding player movements and the schedule for the next campaign. The league is expected to announce the structure for the upcoming season in the coming months, providing a roadmap for clubs looking to challenge for the title.
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