Rabat – Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri explained why he did not celebrate his goal against compatriot Yassine Bounou during Al-Ittihad’s 3-2 defeat to Al-Hilal in the eighth round of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.
The match took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where Al-Hilal secured three points in an exciting Saudi Clasico featuring five goals. Despite En-Nesyri’s contribution, Al-Ittihad could not prevent their rivals from claiming victory.
En-Nesyri opened the scoring for Al-Ittihad in the 22nd minute but refrained from celebrating against Bounou, who started in goal for Al-Hilal. The Moroccan striker explained that his relationship with the goalkeeper goes beyond their competition on the pitch.
“It is difficult for me to celebrate against my brother because I love him so much,” En-Nesyri said in post-match comments.
The forward also highlighted their shared history, having played together for Morocco’s national team and Spanish club Sevilla.
“We played together for years with the national team and at Sevilla, and I wish him all the best, God willing,” he added.
Bounou also commented on his compatriot’s decision, praising En-Nesyri’s performance and describing the close relationship between them.
“En-Nesyri is the little brother I never had. He delivered a great performance today, and I want to congratulate him on that,” the goalkeeper said.
Al-Hilal secure victory in five-goal Saudi clasico
The encounter began at a high tempo, with both teams looking to make an early impact. Al-Hilal took the lead in the 11th minute through Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, who finished a move created by English striker Ollie Watkins.
Al-Ittihad responded through En-Nesyri, who levelled the score in the 22nd minute. The Moroccan forward capitalized on a through ball from teammate Marwan Al-Sahafi before firing past Bounou to make it 1-1.
However, Al-Hilal regained the advantage eight minutes later. Watkins scored in the 30th minute after putting pressure on Al-Ittihad’s defense and taking advantage of a loose ball to restore his team’s lead.
Al-Hilal carried their 2-1 advantage into the second half and continued to threaten their opponents. The home side extended its lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville found the net, with Watkins once again providing the assist.
Trailing by two goals, Al-Ittihad pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest. Their efforts paid off late in the match when Steven Bergwijn converted a penalty in the 89th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
The visitors attempted to find another goal during the closing stages, but Al-Hilal held on to secure the victory.
Al-Ittihad suffer first league defeat
The result marked Al-Ittihad’s first defeat in the Saudi Pro League this season, ending their unbeaten start to the campaign after seven league matches without a loss.
The victory lifted Al-Hilal to 21 points at the top of the standings, while Al-Ittihad remained on 17 points in second place, dealing a setback to their early title ambitions.
For En-Nesyri, the match brought a personal highlight despite the disappointing result. His goal against Bounou demonstrated his ability to make an impact in a high-profile fixture, while his decision not to celebrate reflected the bond he shares with the Moroccan international.
The two players have represented Morocco together and previously played alongside each other at Sevilla. Their post-match comments offered a reminder that, despite competing for different clubs, their friendship remains strong.
While Al-Hilal left Riyadh with all three points, the exchange between En-Nesyri and Bounou became one of the memorable moments of the encounter, highlighting the respect between two Moroccan internationals who found themselves on opposite sides of a major Saudi football rivalry.
