All eyes in Saudi football will be on King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk this Saturday, as it hosts a highly anticipated match between the ambitious Neom FC and their guests, the renowned Al-Ahli FC, in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League. The match presents different objectives for both teams; Neom is striving to regain its footing and break its losing streak, while Al-Ahli aims to continue its climb towards the top of the standings and secure its seventh consecutive victory.

Background of the confrontation and the general context of the Saudi League

This match comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League (SPL), which has become a destination for some of the world's top football stars. Since the arrival of numerous prominent international players, the league has witnessed a qualitative leap in both its technical level and media appeal, resulting in high-caliber matches in every round. NEOM FC, with its promising sports project, is one of the contenders seeking to establish itself among the elite, while Al-Ahli, with its rich history and massive fan base, is a traditional powerhouse in the title race.

NEOM: A Mission of Self-Discovery

NEOM enters the match desperately needing a positive result to restore confidence among the players and fans. The team currently sits ninth in the standings with 21 points, accumulated from six wins, three draws, and seven losses. Their performance in the last four rounds has shown a marked decline, suffering three consecutive defeats before managing to secure a point with a draw against Al-Ettifaq in the previous round. The team is counting on home advantage and the support of their fans, in addition to a host of talented players such as Algerian Saïd Benrahma, Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette, Egyptian Ahmed Hegazi, and Uruguayan Luciano Rodríguez, to secure the three points and improve their position in the league table.

Al Ahly... the winning streak never stops

In stark contrast, Al-Ahli is enjoying a brilliant run, maintaining a perfect record in their last six league matches. This flawless performance has propelled them to third place with 37 points, making them serious title contenders this season. The "Royal" club is aiming for their seventh consecutive victory to maintain their momentum and remain firmly in the title race. Al-Ahli boasts a formidable squad capable of deciding any match, led by Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian Franck Kessié, Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and English striker Ivan Tony, who scored the winning goal in the first leg, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Al-Ahli.

The importance and expected impact of the match

The importance of this match extends beyond the three points at stake; it also carries significant psychological weight for both teams. A win for Neom would represent a huge boost and a turning point in their season, confirming their ability to compete with the top teams. A victory for Al-Ahli, on the other hand, would solidify their position as strong title contenders and send a clear message to their rivals. A large crowd is expected, and the match will garner extensive regional and international attention, given the star-studded lineups of both teams and the growing reputation of the Saudi Professional League as one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

On Saturday evening, the eyes of Saudi football fans will be on Al-Hazm Club Stadium in Al-Rass, which will be the stage for a strong match between Al-Kholoud Club, which was recently promoted and is aspiring to establish itself, and its guest, Al-Ettifaq Club, one of the oldest clubs in the Kingdom, which seeks to return to competing for the top positions, as part of the competitions of the eighteenth round of the Saudi Professional League.

The two teams enter the match with vastly different objectives. Al-Kholoud, currently in twelfth place with 15 points, views this game as a golden opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation zone and move closer to a more comfortable position in the standings. The team comes into the match with high morale after breaking a three-match losing streak with a resounding and well-deserved victory over Al-Fateh, giving their players a strong incentive to try and secure a second consecutive win that would significantly improve their standing. The team relies on a group of talented players capable of making a difference, such as their Argentinian goalkeeper Juan Cosani, the solidity of their defense led by Slovakian Norbert Djimber, and the attacking prowess provided by Comorian Meziani Maoulida and Hattan Bahebri.

Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq, currently seventh in the standings with 26 points, enters the match with their sights set on the three points that could propel them forward in the race for a spot in Asian competitions. Under the guidance of English coach Steven Gerrard, the team has been performing well this season, but has suffered some unexpected setbacks, most recently a draw against Neom after a notable victory over Al-Ittihad. The "Knights of Ad-Dahna" are keen to avoid dropping more points against mid-table teams to maintain their chances of achieving their objectives. Al-Ettifaq boasts a constellation of international and local stars, led by Dutch captain Georginio Wijnaldum, Spanish midfield maestro Álvaro Medrán, and the potent attacking force of Frenchman Moussa Dembélé.

Historically, despite the differences in the two clubs' histories, their head-to-head encounters in the Professional League have been largely even. They have met three times, with Al-Kholoud winning two matches (3-2 and 1-0) and Al-Ettifaq winning one (2-1). This record adds another dimension of excitement and competitiveness to the match, and confirms that the task will not be easy for the visitors despite their superiority on paper.

The match carries an importance that goes beyond just three points; a victory for Al-Kholoud will boost its confidence in its ability to stay and compete in the top league, while any stumble for Al-Ettifaq may complicate its task of catching up with the leading pack in light of the fierce competition witnessed in the Roshan League this season, which has become the focus of the world’s attention thanks to attracting the most prominent stars of the game.

Matthias Jäissle confirms his loyalty to Al-Ahly and rejects European offers

Young German coach Matthias Jäissle has put an end to the speculation surrounding his future with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli club, confirming his commitment to the ambitious project of the "Castle of Cups" despite growing interest from several prestigious European clubs. These confirmations come at a crucial time as the team prepares for the new season, which presents both domestic and continental challenges, sending a strong message of stability to the club's management and fans.

General context: An ambitious project and a strong comeback

Matthias Jäissle, 37, took over as manager of Al-Ahli in July 2023, a strategic move coinciding with the team's return to the Saudi Professional League. His arrival was part of a broader revolution in Saudi football, with the Public Investment Fund backing the club with high-profile international signings, most notably Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino, and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié. Jäissle brought with him an excellent reputation from his successful spell with Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, where he was known for his high-pressing, attacking style, which Al-Ahli fans hoped to implement to win titles.

The importance of the decision and its impact on the team's future

According to reliable journalist Florian Plattenberg of Sky Sports Germany, Jacele had already received several lucrative offers recently, including inquiries from Bundesliga clubs. However, the young coach decided to reject these offers, preferring to remain in Jeddah and fulfill his contract, which runs until 2026. This decision is of paramount importance, as it provides the technical stability that is a cornerstone of any long-term sporting project. After a first season that saw them finish third in the league and qualify for the new edition of the AFC Champions League, Jacele's decision to stay sends a clear message that the focus is on building and developing the team to achieve even greater ambitions next season.

Results of the first season and future prospects

Matthias Jäissle led Al-Ahli in the 2023-2024 season, managing 37 official matches across all competitions (34 in the league and 3 in the King's Cup). Under his leadership, the team achieved 20 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses. Although the team couldn't compete for the league title until the end, securing third place was a realistic goal for a newly promoted side. The coach faced challenges in creating cohesion among the new generation of stars. With his continued tenure confirmed, Al-Ahli fans are hoping for a successful second season, as the team will compete on multiple fronts, including the Roshan League, the King's Cup, and the AFC Champions League. This places a significant responsibility on Jäissle and his team to translate the team's stability into tangible titles.