In a thrilling evening of football at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha, Al-Nassr secured a valuable and well-deserved 2-1 victory over their hosts, Damac, in the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League. This win was more than just three points added to the team's tally; it reaffirmed Al-Nassr's determination to continue their pursuit of the league title in a season marked by fierce competition at the top.

The context of the match and its importance in the league

Al-Nassr enters this match fully aware that there is no room for error, especially given the fierce competition from other top teams. The Saudi Professional League, which has gained significant global momentum after the arrival of international stars, most notably the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, has made every match a final. On the other side, Damac hoped to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to achieve a positive result that would help them escape the relegation zone at the bottom of the table, adding a layer of competitiveness and challenge to the encounter.

Details and events of the meeting

Al-Nassr started the match with a strong attacking pressure, translating their field dominance into an early goal in the fifth minute through their young star Abdulrahman Ghareeb, who received the ball inside the penalty area and skillfully shot it past Brazilian goalkeeper Kiwin Silva. Damac's response was swift, as they almost equalized through Senussi Hawsawi in the seventh minute, but his shot went just wide of the post. Al-Nassr continued their control and created numerous chances, most notably a header from Cristiano Ronaldo that the goalkeeper brilliantly saved in the tenth minute, and a powerful shot from Portuguese player João Félix that the goalkeeper caught in the 35th minute. Before the end of the first half, the crossbar denied Félix a certain goal in the 41st minute, and the half ended with Al-Nassr leading 1-0.

A decisive second half and a global impact

As the second half began, Al-Nassr intensified their pressure to secure the result, which they achieved in the 50th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo received a perfect pass inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, extending his team's lead and igniting the fans' enthusiasm. This goal carried significant weight not only within the context of the match but also internationally, as millions around the world were following the Portuguese star's performance in his Saudi Arabian experience. However, Damac refused to give up and managed to reduce the deficit in the 68th minute from a corner kick, with Moroccan defender Jamal Harkas rising to meet it and powerfully heading it into the goal. The remaining minutes saw both teams exchange attempts, but the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Impact of the result on the standings table

With this victory, Al-Nassr raised their points tally to 37, strengthening their hold on second place and continuing to pressure the league leaders. Meanwhile, Damac remain stuck on 11 points in 15th place, still embroiled in the relegation battle. This result underscores the crucial importance of every match in both the title race and the relegation fight this season.

In a cautious, tactically astute, and defensively solid match, Al-Ettifaq and their guests, Neom, played to a goalless draw at the Egea Stadium, in the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League. Despite numerous attempts from both sides, the outstanding performances of the goalkeepers and the lack of goals were the defining characteristics of the game.

The context of the match and its importance in the Roshan League

This encounter comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention thanks to its attraction of international stars and its ambition to be among the strongest football leagues. In this context, every match represents a true test for the teams. Al-Ettifaq, one of the most established clubs in the Eastern Province, seeks to strengthen its position in the standings and move closer to qualifying for continental competitions, while NEOM, the ambitious team, aims to prove its ability to compete with the top clubs and achieve a high ranking in its debut season among the professional league.

Details and events of the meeting

The match, played before a crowd of 3,194 fans, began with the expected pressure from the home side. Al-Ettifaq players tried to impose their control from the first minute, aiming for an early goal, but they encountered a well-organized Neom defense. The 21st minute saw the best chance of the first half when Neom's Algerian star, Said Benrahma, dribbled past Al-Ettifaq defender Jack Hendy, but his final shot lacked accuracy and went wide of goalkeeper Mark Rodak's goal. The first half ended with the score unchanged.

The second half saw little change, with both sides continuing their attempts to break the deadlock. Majed Duran squandered a golden opportunity for Al-Ettifaq in the 46th minute after a pinpoint cross from Joao Costa, failing to convert it into a goal. Neom responded strongly in the 62nd minute when the left post denied Alaa Hajji a certain goal after he capitalized on a mistake by defender Francisco Calvo. As the match drew to a close, both teams exchanged dangerous attacks. In the 82nd minute, Simon Bouabre unleashed a powerful shot that Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Mark Rodak brilliantly saved. Just a minute later, Neom's goalkeeper, Maximiliano, made a crucial save, denying Georginio Wijnaldum's powerful shot.

The impact of the result on the teams' standings

With this result, Al-Ettifaq raised their points tally to 26, settling into seventh place in the Roshan Professional League standings, a result that may not satisfy their fans' ambitions. On the other hand, the draw is considered a positive outcome for Neom, who increased their points to 21, placing them ninth and continuing to accumulate valuable points that ensure their safety from relegation and keep them in contention for a mid-table position.

In a surprising and noteworthy move, Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, decided to include young defender Murad Hawsawi in the squad that will face Al-Fayha in the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League. This decision represents a significant morale boost for the player and an important strengthening of the coach's defensive options at a crucial stage of the season.

Background and time context of the return

Jesus's decision came after recent medical tests confirmed Murad Hawsawi's full fitness. The player had been sidelined for a considerable period due to an injury sustained while playing for the Saudi national team in the Arab Cup held in Qatar. Returning from such a long-term injury is a challenge in itself, but Hawsawi's determination and commitment to the treatment and rehabilitation program resulted in his return to group training with his teammates, convincing the coaching staff of his ability to contribute again.

The importance of the decision and its impact on the team

This decision is particularly significant given Al Hilal's exceptional season, as the team comfortably leads the Roshan League standings and delivers high-level performances both domestically and continentally. Hawsawi's return provides coach Jorge Jesus with strategic depth in defense and offers him an additional option for squad rotation, which is crucial for avoiding fatigue and injuries amidst a demanding schedule and competition on multiple fronts, including the AFC Champions League and the King's Cup. Furthermore, promoting young players and promising talents like Hawsawi aligns with the club's future vision of building a strong and sustainable team.

Future aspirations and facing Al-Fayhaa

Al-Hilal enters its match against Al-Fayha with high morale after its recent 2-1 victory over Neom in the King's Cup. The team aims to continue its winning streak in the league to maintain its lead and widen the gap with its closest rivals. The return of Murad Hawsawi, even if he doesn't start, is expected to be a message of confidence from the coach in all members of the squad, confirming that the door is open to anyone who proves their worth in training. This will raise the level of healthy competition among the players and benefit the team as a whole.