Al-Qadsiah 2-1 Al-Ittihad: Quinones brace closes gap on top three

A brace from Julian Quinones helped Al-Qadsiah beat Al-Ittihad 2-1 and extend their winning run in the Saudi Pro League to six games.

After Karim Benzema put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot, Quinones struck either side of the break as Al-Qadsiah continued their fine vein of form to move within one point of second-placed Al-Nassr, and third-placed Al-Ahli, in the standings.

Soon after Houssem Aouar hit the post with a header, Benzema converted from the penalty spot following a clumsy foul from Gaston Alvarez on Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, with the Frenchman lifting his spot-kick above the goalkeeper.

Quinones then got his first in the 37th minute, converting into an unguarded net from Christopher Bonsu Baah’s low cross, which went through the legs of Danilo Pereira and through to the striker.

Al-Qadsiah started the second half stronger, with Mateo Retegui smashing the woodwork with a half-volley, and they eventually went ahead after Quinones controlled a pass from Mohammed Abu Al Shamat before turning his marker and firing past Mohammed Al Absi.

Al-Ittihad saw a penalty appeal, which went to a VAR review on the pitchside monitor, denied in their search for a leveller as Al-Qadisah held on for all three points at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.

Dominance established
​​#AlQadsiahAlIttihad | #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/uZcODuy6ZO

— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) January 22, 2026

Data Debrief: Quinones closes in on Ronaldo

Although Al-Qadsiah only created one more opening than Al-Ittihad (10 shots to nine), the hosts produced the better opportunities. They accumulated 1.94 expected goals (xG) to their counterparts’ 1.45.

Quinones scored with both of his shots on target, taking four shots altogether, while he was impressive when pressing from the front as he won possession three times in the final third and nine times overall.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo (16) has scored more goals than Quinones (15) in the Saudi Pro League this season.