"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."
"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)."
"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."
Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Okhdood 2-1 at Alinma Bank Stadium, ending a three-game winless run in the Saudi Pro League. N'Golo Kante assisted Houssem Aouar's first-half volley and scored a 43rd-minute long-range strike. Samuel Portugal produced several crucial saves to keep Al-Okhdood in the match, while Burak Ince pulled one back with a header from Christian Bassogog's cross. Bassogog later missed a golden chance to equalise. Al-Ittihad registered 1.04 xG from 18 shots versus Al-Okhdood's 0.48 from six, and Mahamadou Doumbia led Al-Ittihad for shots, touches and duels won.
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