Al-Ittihad got back into the win column in the Saudi Pro League as they defeated Al-Okhdood 2-1.
N'Golo Kante assisted Houssem Aouar's opener before scoring a stunner of his own ahead of half-time, but Al-Ittihad held on for three points despite Burak Ince's header to end their three-game winless run in the league.
The hosts took the lead after just 12 minutes at Alinma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City, with Kante teeing up Aouar for a volley in the box, and the Algerian made no mistake with his volley on the turn.
Al-Okhdood goalkeeper Samuel Portugal was determined to keep the scoreline at 1-0 heading into the break, keeping out a long-range effort from Danilo Pereira before denying Karim Benzema and Mahamadou Doumbia in quick succession.
However, Kante managed to double Al-Ittihad's advantage in the 43rd minute, firing into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box, though Portugal did make a fantastic save to tip Doumbia's powerful effort onto the crossbar.
The visitors were given some hope when Ince rose highest at the back post to head in from Christian Bassogog's cross, though the latter then missed a golden chance to level proceedings when he fired wide from Ince's low cross.
Al-Okhdood did not go close to scoring again as Sergio Conceicao's side moved up to sixth in the table, still 10 points behind the AFC Champions League places.
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Data Debrief: Al-Ittihad's key midfielder partnership
After three games without a win, Conceicao will be relieved to get over the line at home, even if it was not the most convincing victory. Al-Ittihad produced 1.04 expected goals (xG) from 18 shots to Al-Okhdood's 0.48 from six attempts.
Kante's goal and assist proved crucial for the hosts, but midfield partner Doumbia also put in a strong display. He recorded the most shots (five), most touches (116) and most duels won (nine).
Al-Ittihad are now unbeaten in all six of their Pro League meetings against Al-Okhood (W5 D1) and have completed their second league double over them, also doing so in 2023-24.