When chaos meets opportunity, true talent shines through — and that’s exactly what happened with Mario Mitaj, the young Albanian defender who is quickly making his name in Saudi football. In a night filled with drama, goals, and emotions, Mitaj became the unexpected hero for Al Ittihad, helping his team avoid total collapse in a breathtaking 4-4 draw against Al Khaleej.
The game started with Al Khaleej in complete control. By halftime, the hosts were leading 4-0, exploiting every gap in Al Ittihad’s defense and even benefiting from a red card shown to Fabinho in the 32nd minute. It looked like a nightmare debut in the Saudi League for coach Sérgio Conceição, who just days earlier had celebrated a thrilling Cup win over Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But football stories often turn in the most unexpected ways — and this one had Mario Mitaj written all over it.
After Moussa Diaby pulled one back in the 51st minute, Al Ittihad began to believe again. Then came Mitaj’s moment of brilliance. Deep into stoppage time, in the 96th minute, the 20-year-old Albanian defender made a sharp, intelligent run into the box. Reacting with perfect timing, he controlled the ball and fired home a clever finish from close range — a goal that not only cut the deficit to 4-3 but also reignited hope in the dying moments of the match.
Just two minutes later, Al Ghamdi completed the incredible comeback, scoring the equalizer that sealed one of the most chaotic games of the Saudi Pro League season. But for many fans, Mitaj’s goal was the turning point — the spark that transformed despair into belief.
Born in Athens, Greece, but representing Albania at the international level, Mitaj has been known for his composure, tactical discipline, and technical intelligence. His performance against Al Khaleej showed not only his defensive maturity but also his attacking instincts — a rare combination that makes him one of the most promising defenders in the league.
For Sérgio Conceição, Mitaj’s late heroics were a blessing. In just two games at Al Ittihad, the Portuguese coach has already lived through a whirlwind of emotions: defeating Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and then surviving an almost disastrous collapse. Through it all, Mario Mitaj’s decisive contribution may have just earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Ittihad supporters.
With confidence growing and his reputation rising, Mitaj is proving that Albanian football is producing a new generation of fearless players — ready to make their mark anywhere in the world.