In a surprising result, Al Hazem defeated Al Ettifaq FC 3-1 at home in the Saudi Professional League on February 28, 2026. This match provided a major upset as the hosts secured a vital three points against a team with higher aspirations in the league standings. Al Hazem took a shock lead early in the game and doubled their advantage before the break, stunning the visitors. Al Ettifaq managed to pull a goal back in the second half to create a nervy finale, but Al Hazem sealed the win with a late counter-attacking goal. The victory is a massive boost for Al Hazem's survival hopes, moving them out of the relegation zone, while it represents a significant setback for Al Ettifaq's campaign. The home manager hailed his team's fighting spirit, and the Ettifaq coach criticized his side's lack of intensity from the start.