Karim Benzema grabbed a goal and an assist to lead Al-Ittihad to a comeback 3-2 win over Al-Ettifaq, a result that moved them six points clear at the Saudi Pro League summit.
Al-Hilal, who are second in the standings, could only manage a 2-2 draw against Al-Shabab earlier in the day, with Laurent Blanc's side taking full advantage in their encounter.
But they had to come from behind at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, after Vitinho put the visitors ahead with just five minutes on the clock.
Al-Ittihad responded quickly, however, with Danilo Pereira sliding in to tuck home Benzema's ball at the back post just six minutes later.
Benzema then capitalised on a defensive mistake by Al-Shabab, racing through on goal before squeezing his shot past Marek Rodak, who got a touch to the Frenchman's strike.
Al-Ittihad entered the half-time interval with a two-goal advantage; Houssem Aouar collecting Moussa Diaby's clever pass in the box, before rifling the ball into the bottom corner.
Pereira made things slightly nervy for Al-Ittihad when he turned into his own net late on, but the hosts were able to hold on to seal a crucial victory in the race for the title.
#Saudi_Roshn_League
— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) April 21, 2025
#alittihad_alettifaq
Congratulations Tigers pic.twitter.com/NbpC5AR5dT
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, now have five games to try and claw back the six-point deficit to Al-Ittihad having dropped more points at this crucial stage of the campaign.
Jorge Jesus' team had picked up just three points from their last three games heading into the contest, and found themselves behind early on at the Kingdom Arena.
Daniel Podence's tricky run in from the right-hand side ended with a brilliant finish, the former Wolves midfielder crashing the ball into the top corner with his left foot.
However, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic drew Al-Hilal level in the 31st minute, gathering Salem Al Dawsari cute pass around the corner before finishing past Abdullah Al Muaiouf.
Al-Hilal needed just a minute after the break to take the lead. Al Dawsari was again involved; this time, picking out the bottom-right corner with a composed strike.
But Mohammed Al Shwirekh headed Al-Shabab level 22 minutes from time, rising highest to power Cristian Guanca's teasing corner delivery into the back of the net.
FT. #HILSHA pic.twitter.com/Ti4cKDTC44
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 21, 2025
Data Debrief: 50 up for Benzema
Benzema has been a sensational signing for Al-Ittihad since joining from Real Madrid, with his latest display for the Saudi Pro League side proving he still has plenty to give.
The 37-year-old has now reached 50 goal involvements for Al-Ittihad in 58 appearances across all competitions (33 goals, 17 assists), and he was the standout player on Monday.
He ended the contest having had more shots (seven) and touches in the opposition box (seven), while only Aouar and Diaby (both three) created more chances than Benzema (two).