Australia international striker Craig Goodwin was among the three players starting the Saudi Pro League with a brace. The magnificent performance by the Socceroo was still not enough for Al Wehda to secure the 3 points as 10-man Al Riyadh fought back relentlessly to salvage a point in a dramatic 6-goals’ thriller. It is worth mentioning that each goal of the Riyadhi team was scored by a player acquired not longer than a week ago, which is not only an indication to their recent transfer window activity but also the shrewdness thereof.
As regards the other two braces, they were scored by Mitrovic (Al Hilal), who started this season where he finished the last one, and Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah), who started his career in the Roshn Saudi League in a fashionable way. Their teams sit on the top of the table as both won convincingly with an identical 3-0 scoreline.
Drama was also present at the opener of the new campaign as AFC Champions League Two contender Al Taawoun scored deep in the stoppage time to keep all three points at home as visitors Al Fayha failed to capitalise on the dismissal of Al Shuail in the 81th minute.
Jeddah-based giants, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad both won their respective opening fixtures although the latter seemed to settle for a draw against freshly promoted Al Kholood. However, this changed as new signing Houssem Aouar scored the winning goal deep in the stoppage time as he shattered the dreams of the newcomers to secure a precious point in their first ever match in the Saudi top division.
Although record top scorer Ronaldo’s header put them in front early, the season did not start so well for Al Nassr as they drew against Al Raed at home. The end result was 1-1 and a lot of frustration for both Ronaldo and his team as the former had a goal disallowed for offside while the hosts had every chance to claim all 3 points anyway but they squandered their opportunities.
