Another big round is behind us as gameweek 33 of the Saudi Pro League has just concluded. We are sad to announce that the last round is coming, however, we don’t have too much time to dwell on this as it will kick off imminently. Until then, let’s recap the key events of round 33 and the things we are looking forward to in the last round!
𝟏. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭
It was good to see Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro back in action as he aims to defend his position at the top of the list of goalscorers. He is certainly the favourite to win the golden boot as he scored another goal from the penalty spot, however, … he also missed one penalty earlier during the match against Al Khaleej. Well, even he can miss sometimes! Nevertheless, Al Nassr won and Ronaldo maintained his two goals’ advantage ahead of Toney, while increased it to three goals against Benzema and Hamdallah.
𝟐. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧?
Speaking about Al Nassr, they are among the few teams who could be anxious about the last round. If they fail to win against Al Fateh then they will certainly miss international competition next year. Even if they gather all three points, they will need a favour from local rivals Al Hilal to prevent Al Qadsiah from winning against them. In this case, Ronaldo and co would be able to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two. The question is: is Al Hilal – fighting for absolutely nothing in the forthcoming fixture – motivated enough to hold up Aubameyang and co?
𝟑. 𝐀𝐥 𝐊𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞
Not many of us would have bet on the survival of Al Kholood at the start of the season, however, they have beaten the odds and achieved safety with one more game to play in their first ever season in the Saudi top division. In addition, Comoros international frontman Myziane Maolida also made a name for himself in the process with an impressive goalscoring record of 14 goals (so far) in his maiden season in the Roshn Saudi League.
As for Al Fateh, this piece of news wouldn’t have been a big hit given normal circumstances. However, given their abysmal first half of the season instead, their revival during the second half of the campaign is quite a story and an impressive achievement.
𝟒. 𝐍𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 – 𝐧𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦!
While most of the teams have nothing left to fight for between now and the end of this season, we witnessed some excellent and exciting football matches! Al Taawoun came from two goals down to send Al Riyadh home from Buraidah with a 3-2 defeat. Al Shabab and Al Ittihad played a five goals’ thriller, during which assist-king Diaby this time took things into his own hands and scored two wonderful goals, sealing a 2-3 victory for the Tigers. Al Ettifaq came from behind against Al Ahli and triumphed to take all three points home from Jeddah. Do you still need any more convincing to follow this incredible league?
𝟓. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
Al Wehda, Al Okhdood and Al Orobah are fighting for the sole free spot for survival in the last round. If not for the late leveller by Al Hilal in Mecca then both Al Okhdood and Al Orobah would have already been relegated. However, there is still hope for the latter two to survive, although Al Orobah needs to win and rely on both of their rivals to lose so their chances are not so bright. The fate of the Knights of Mecca is in their own hands: if they win then they are safe. However, if they cannot win, but Al Okhdood can, then the Najrani team would complete another great escape.
