Al Ettifaq 1-2 Al Khaleej - Fortounis Leads Khaleej Victory
Key Takeaways
- • Al Khaleej secures 2-1 victory over Al Ettifaq
- • Single-goal margin keeps contest competitive until the end
- • Saudi Pro League fixture adds to season momentum
Al Khaleej secured a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Al Ettifaq in a tightly contested Saudi Pro League match, with Kostas Fortounis delivering a crucial performance that ultimately decided the encounter in Dammam.
Fortounis opened the scoring just before halftime with a precisely struck goal, responding to Moussa Dembélé's lightning-quick opener for Al Ettifaq in the first minute of the match. The Greek midfielder's goal shifted the momentum, showcasing his tactical intelligence and clinical finishing.
In a dramatic conclusion, Al Khaleej found a late winner in stoppage time, completing their comeback and securing three vital points. The match statistics underscored their dominance, with Al Khaleej outshooting their opponents 15-9 and maintaining 51.6% possession throughout the contest.
Dembélé remained a persistent attacking threat for Al Ettifaq, but Fortounis's midfield control and decisive goal proved the difference. The victory positions Al Khaleej strongly in the league standings.
Both teams will return to action on January 16, with Al Ettifaq hosting Al Ittihad and Al Khaleej welcoming Al Okhdood.