Adrian Semper saves Al-Fateh as Al-Ittihad stumble before Al-Nassr clash

Al-Ittihad were held to a goalless draw by Al-Fateh on Saturday as goalkeeper Adrian Semper produced a series of important saves to deny the visitors in the fourth round of the Roshn Saudi League.

The result leaves Al-Ittihad on eight points in fourth place, with their next match a Saudi Clasico against Al-Nassr in the fifth round. Al-Fateh remain 16th but moved on to two points after claiming a valuable draw against one of the division’s leading sides.

Semper was the outstanding player at Al-Fateh’s ground, repeatedly frustrating an Al-Ittihad attack that failed to score during the full 90 minutes. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Al-Ittihad made the more forceful start and created the first clear opportunity in the 13th minute. Houssem Aouar struck a powerful effort towards goal, but the Croatian goalkeeper reacted well to push the ball behind for a corner.

Semper was called into action again in the 28th minute when Steven Bergwijn tested him with another fierce shot. The Al-Fateh keeper stood firm to preserve the deadlock.

Despite spending much of the opening period under pressure, Al-Fateh nearly took the lead when Lucas sent a powerful effort narrowly wide. The chance came unexpectedly after Al-Ittihad were caught off guard, and the sides went into half-time level at 0-0.

The visitors continued to dominate possession of the attacking moments after the restart. Danilo Pereira came close to breaking the deadlock with a header that struck the crossbar, while Youssef En-Nesyri fired just wide of the post.

Al-Fateh also threatened when Lucas Haraslin forced Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic into a save. Rajkovic’s intervention ensured that the hosts could not turn one of their opportunities into a winning goal.

The closest Al-Ittihad came to securing all three points arrived late in the match. Muath Faqihi unleashed a powerful shot in the 89th minute, only for the effort to hit the post and rebound away.

That miss completed a frustrating evening for Al-Ittihad, who were unable to find a way past Semper despite their pressure and several clear chances. The Croatian’s saves, combined with the woodwork being struck by both Danilo Pereira’s header and Faqihi’s late shot, allowed Al-Fateh to hold on for a point.

Al-Ittihad will now turn their attention to the meeting with Al-Nassr, knowing they must improve in front of goal if they are to return to winning ways in the next round.