In one of the biggest upsets of the season, Liverpool suffered a bitter and unexpected 1-0 defeat away to Bournemouth, a result that significantly impacted both teams' positions in the Premier League table. This outcome was more than just a loss of three points; it dealt a severe blow to the Reds' ambitions of competing for a top spot.

Match context and historical background:

Liverpool entered the match with sky-high morale after their historic 7-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United in the previous round. This resounding win heavily tipped the scales in favor of Jürgen Klopp's team to continue their winning streak, especially as they faced a team battling to avoid relegation. Bournemouth, on the other hand, were in a precarious position at the bottom of the table, where every point was crucial in their fight to escape the drop. Historically, Liverpool had dominated matches between the two sides, having thrashed Bournemouth 9-0 in the first leg of the same season, making the final whistle all the more surprising.

Details of the meeting and the turning point:

Contrary to all expectations, Bournemouth displayed a fighting spirit and a well-organized defense from the first minute. The home side successfully absorbed Liverpool's initial enthusiasm and surprised them with a goal in the 28th minute through Philip Billing, who capitalized on a perfectly placed cross to slot the ball into the net. Liverpool tried to mount a comeback in the second half and had a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute, but Egyptian star Mohamed Salah inexplicably blasted the ball over the crossbar, squandering a precious chance to save his team. The Reds continued their efforts until the final moments, but Bournemouth's resolute defense and the brilliance of goalkeeper Neto prevented any change to the scoreline.

The importance of the result and its expected impact:

This defeat had a direct and profound impact on both teams. For Liverpool, it served as a setback, reigniting doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and complicating their Champions League qualification hopes, as they squandered three valuable points at a crucial stage of the season. For Bournemouth, however, this victory was more than just three points; it was a massive morale boost, instilling a strong belief in their survival chances and proving that in the Premier League, nothing is impossible, and that determination and fighting spirit can overcome significant technical differences.

Al-Ahli strengthened their position in the top four of the Saudi Professional League after securing a resounding and well-deserved 4-1 victory over Al-Ta'ee at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, in a matchday 21 fixture. With this win, Al-Ahli continued their positive run of form, reaffirming their ambitions to compete for a top spot this season.

Al-Ahli opened the scoring early through their Brazilian star Roberto Firmino, who capitalized on a perfectly weighted pass to put the ball in the net. It wasn't long before Algerian star Riyad Mahrez added a second goal from a penalty kick, expertly converted, giving his team a comfortable lead before halftime. Despite Al-Tai's attempts to get back into the game and reduce the deficit with a goal from Bernard Mensah, Al-Ahli asserted their complete dominance in the second half. Striker Firas Al-Buraikan scored the third goal, before Ivorian Franck Kessié completed the scoring with a fourth, securing three valuable points for his team.

The context of the match and its importance in Al Ahly's journey

This victory comes amidst an exceptional season for Al-Ahli, who returned to the top flight after a single season in the Yellow Sub-League. The club underwent a veritable summer transfer revolution following the Public Investment Fund's acquisition, bringing in a host of international stars, including Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessié, Allan Saint-Maximin, and defender Roger Ibañez. These high-profile signings raised expectations for both fans and management, establishing the team as a major contender for a spot in the AFC Champions League.

The local and international impact of Al Ahly's victory

Domestically, Al-Ahli increased their points tally to 43, consolidating their third-place position in the Roshan League standings and widening the gap with their closest rivals. This victory represents a tremendous morale boost for the team ahead of upcoming matches and underscores their ability to maintain a high level of competition behind league leaders Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Regionally and internationally, Al-Ahli's positive results, bolstered by the performances of their world-class stars, directly contribute to increasing the popularity and global viewership of the Saudi League, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to position the league among the top 10 in the world. The brilliance of players of Mahrez and Firmino's caliber not only attracts attention but also enhances the overall marketing and media value of the competition.

In a thrilling evening of football during the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League, renowned Jordanian refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija settled the controversy surrounding the most prominent refereeing decisions in the match between Neom FC and their guests, Al-Ahli FC, at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk. Abu Khadija provided a detailed technical analysis of the incidents that sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts.

Details of the arbitration cases and the expert's opinion

The controversy centered primarily on two key moments in the first half of the match. The first involved Neom's penalty claim after a shot from Ahmed Hegazi struck the hand of Al-Ahli defender Rayan Hamed. In this context, refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija explained in an exclusive statement to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi: "Neom did not deserve a penalty in the first half for Ahmed Hegazi's shot that hit Rayan Hamed's hand. The ball went from his head to his hand and was unintentional; therefore, the referee's decision not to award a penalty was correct ." This assessment is based on recent amendments to the Laws of the Game, which differentiate between intentional and unintentional handball, especially when it results from a close-range rebound.

The second incident involved the sending off of Neom player Khalifa Al-Dossari. Abu Khadija confirmed the referee's decision, stating, "The decision to send off Khalifa Al-Dossari was correct. The player was through on goal and had a clear opportunity to score for Al-Ahli ." This is known in the Laws of the Game as "denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity" (DOGSO), which warrants a straight red card.

The general context of the match and its importance

This match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League (SPL) is witnessing increasing global interest, thanks to its attraction of top stars and its rising technical level. Al-Ahli, with its rich history and large fan base, is one of the traditional powerhouses of Saudi football and always strives to compete for top positions. In contrast, NEOM FC represents an ambitious sports project reflecting the development taking place in the region and seeks to establish itself among the elite. The match ended with a resounding 3-0 victory for Al-Ahli, strengthening their position in the league standings, while the loss presented an additional challenge for NEOM FC in their league campaign.

The impact of refereeing decisions on the league's reputation

In a league of this magnitude, refereeing decisions are of paramount importance, as they not only affect match results and the fate of teams, but also reflect on the competition's global image. The presence of refereeing experts who provide objective and independent analysis, as Ahmed Abu Khadija has done, contributes to raising public awareness and ensuring transparency in decision-making, thus enhancing the integrity and credibility of the Saudi Professional League (SPL) as one of the most prominent leagues in the region and Asia.