Veteran defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, recently signed by Al-Shabab, stole the show early and dramatically during his team's highly anticipated match against his former club, Al-Hilal, in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Bulaihi delivered a dramatic first half-hour that captivated fans in the stands and those watching on television, creating the highlight of the round.

A noisy start and a clash with yesterday's comrades

The match was more than just an ordinary 90 minutes for the 36-year-old defender; it carried a special emotional and competitive dimension. After joining Al-Shabab on loan from Al-Hilal at the beginning of February, Al-Bulaihi found himself facing the club he had defended for over nine years, during which he won numerous local and continental titles and whose name was linked to the "Leader's" stronghold with a contract extending until the end of 2025. However, emotions faded as soon as the opening whistle blew, as in the eighth minute the player became embroiled in a heated argument and physical confrontation with his former teammate, Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, in a scene that required the referee's swift intervention to restore calm and control to the tense derby atmosphere.

A dramatic scenario and a friendly fire incident

The drama and misfortune continued to plague Al-Bulaihi in his first appearance against his former team. In the 31st minute, he suffered a devastating blow when he scored an own goal against his current team, Al-Shabab. The ball deflected off him, changing direction and deceiving goalkeeper Grohe into the net, giving Al-Hilal a temporary advantage at a crucial moment. This own goal ignited social media and served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where only effort on the pitch matters, regardless of past affiliations.

A fiery first half that reflects the strength of the Saudi league

The match was played at a high technical level, reflecting the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and the fierce competition between the Riyadh giants. The first half ended with Al-Hilal leading 3-2 in a dramatic fashion. Al-Shabab opened the scoring through Brownhill, but Mohammed Kanno quickly equalized for Al-Hilal. After an own goal by Al-Bulaihi, Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah leveled the score for Al-Shabab just a minute before halftime. However, Senegalese defender Kalidou Coulibaly ensured Al-Hilal maintained their lead at the break, scoring their third goal in the dying moments.

This encounter is further proof of the high market and technical value of the Riyadh derby, as the eyes of Arab and international football fans turn to follow these summits that bring together an elite group of world stars, and confirms the prestigious position that the Saudi League has reached as one of the strongest leagues in the region.

The exciting Riyadh derby match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab, within the Roshan Professional League, witnessed dramatic moments in which the hero was defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, as he was overcome with a severe state of sadness and anger after scoring an own goal, which cast a shadow over the course of the match that was held at Al-Shabab Club’s stadium.

The cameras broadcasting the match captured an exciting reaction from Ali Al-Bulaihi, as he appeared in a state of clear displeasure and angry behavior that reflects the extent of the psychological pressure and his impact on the own goal that went into his team's net, in a scene that was widely circulated, highlighting the high competitive spirit and desire to win that the player possesses.

In terms of the match's outcome, the game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams sharing possession and goals. Al-Hilal's goals came from Mohamed Kanno and an own goal by Ali Al-Bulaihi, while Al-Shabab's goals were scored by Josh Brownhill and veteran striker Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab hold immense importance in Saudi Arabian football, as this derby is considered one of the most prestigious rivalries in the history of Saudi football. Encounters between the two teams are always characterized by fierce competition, excitement, and unpredictable results right up to the final minutes, making any individual error, such as an own goal, a pivotal turning point that can significantly impact the course of the match and the reactions of fans both in the stands and watching on television.

This draw comes at a time when the Roshan Professional League is witnessing fierce competition among the top clubs, with each team striving to accumulate points to improve its position in the standings. Small details, such as defensive errors or the ability of strikers like Abderrazak Hamdallah to capitalize on opportunities, play a crucial role in determining the champions of this league, which has become a global attraction thanks to its draw of some of the world's biggest stars.

In conclusion, Ali Al-Bulaihi’s behavior and spontaneous reaction remain evidence of the magnitude of responsibility that players feel in such major matches, where the game is not limited to being 90 minutes, but is a football battle that requires the highest levels of mental and physical focus to avoid mistakes that could cost the team valuable points in the championship race.

A state of deep sadness and anger gripped Ali Al-Bulaihi , in a scene that caught the attention of the fans and the cameras, after he scored an own goal during the top match of the round between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab, within the competitions of the Roshan Professional League .

Television cameras captured a dramatic reaction from the player, showing his intense frustration after his team conceded a goal due to his mistake. This reflects the immense psychological pressure and the burning desire to win in such crucial matches. Al-Bulaihi is always known for his fierce fighting spirit and unparalleled enthusiasm on the pitch, meaning any error he makes carries significant weight, even more so than for the team.

Details of the exciting Riyadh derby

The score is currently tied at 2-2 in a thrilling match being played at Al Shabab Stadium, in front of a large crowd reflecting the derby's significance. The game has witnessed high-level technical and tactical shifts from both sides.

The goals of the match reflected the intensity of the competition, as Al-Hilal’s by star player Mohammed Kanno and Ali Al-Bulaihi (by mistake), while Al-Shabab’s scored by professional Josh Brownhill and Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, igniting the match in search of a decisive goal.

The importance of the Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab derby in the Roshan League

Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab hold immense importance in Saudi sports circles, as the Riyadh derby is considered one of the most prestigious rivalries in Saudi football history. This particular match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is experiencing tremendous growth and unprecedented global viewership, thanks to the attraction of world-class players, making every point in the league race extremely valuable.

Historically, matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab have always been fiercely contested and exciting, with small details and individual errors – such as own goals – often playing a decisive role in determining the winner. The result of this encounter directly impacts the league standings, as each team strives to improve its position and seriously compete for the title or Asian Champions League qualification.

The impact of individual errors on the course of the summit

Own goals are an inherent part of football, and they often put players under immense psychological pressure to recover and make amends in the remaining minutes. Ali Al-Bulaihi's reaction reflects his sense of responsibility and his awareness of the importance of the match, which typically elicits mixed reactions from the audience, ranging from support to criticism. However, the ongoing flow of the game always offers an opportunity to bounce back and correct course before the final whistle.