Al Ittihad clinched the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2009 with a 3-0 win at Al Feiha on Sunday, eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr to the accolade.
A third-minute strike by Ahmed Sharahili and two goals from Romarinho secured victory for Ittihad, who lost the title on the final day of last season.
The Jeddah club have 69 points, five more than Al Nassr who drew 1-1 with Al Ettifaq, with one round left to play. Saturday’s result sealed Al Ittihad their ninth league title.
Sharahili gave the visitors the perfect start, turning in Igor Coronado’s free-kick at the far post. Romarinho headed in the second from another Coronado free-kick during the first-half stoppage time. The Brazilian scored his second five minutes from the end.
In Dammam, Ronaldo endured another frustrating outing and was substituted in the second half as Al Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Ettifaq. Youssoufou Niakate put Al Ettifaq ahead two minutes before the break, while Brazilian Luiz Gustavo equalised for Al-Nassr in the 56th minute.
Ronaldo will finish his first season in the country empty-handed. Reuters, AP/PTI