Al Ittihad completed the impossible, while Ronaldo stunned the world once more…
Sorry for being late once again with our summary, but we have quite a good excuse: we were shocked by the results and needed more time to digest them. Yes, the ROSHN Saudi League never ceases to amaze us and this round was a prime example why we absolutely LOVE this league. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments of round 7 together!
1. Match of the season: Al Khaleej vs. Al Ittihad: 4-4 (3-0)
You are down to 10 men and three goals behind at the 85th minute. You are humiliated and at least scored a consolation goal after being 4-0 down. You likely cannot wait for the clock to run down and forget this nightmare as quickly as you can. And then, you are not like Al Ittihad as the Tigers just stood up and drew the match deep in the stoppage time against all odds. Let’ be concise: watch the extended highlights if you skipped this match, because this is going to an RSL all time classic.
2. Sakala and co stunned by Ronaldo
Al Nassr prepared for a routine match against Al Fayha at home as part of their title challenge. Well, things didn’t go as planned as Jason took the lead for the visitors early and the Riyadhi giants suffered to find footing throughout the match. In the end, the difference between the teams became a certain Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, who scored a brace, including a very late penalty deep in the stoppage time. You really have to feel sorry for Sakala and co, and admit that on another day this fixture could easily have gone the other way.
3. Penalty drama in Jeddah
Despite the promising start to their season and the conquest of the Saudi Super Cup, Al Ahli didn’t really have a great start to their season as they fell behind the top teams. Yes, they are unbeaten and boast the best defence of the league by far, however, goals are a scarce commodity for them. It was time for them to step up against Al Riyadh, and we have to give credit to the Jeddah-based giant, they pushed hard, however, in the end the match turned into a penalty showdown in the stoppage time: Toney and Portuguese magician Tozé both scored. The end result is a draw and more disappointment for the Champions of Asia.
4. Neutral fans had a great weekend
Title says it all, we really can’t name a match which wasn’t worth watching this round. Obviously, the encounter between Al Khaleej and Al Ittihad stands out by a mile, however, the spectators of the matches between Al Kholood and NEOM (2-3) and Al Ettifaq vs Al Hazem (2-2) cannot complain either. When you are about to become almost bored, a red card or a clutch Al Somah goal comes out of nowhere. Even the Riyadhi derby between Al Hilal and Al Shabab, where only one goal was scored (by the home team), was a worthy view as the home team went down to 10 men and Carrasco and co really pushed to turn the tie around.
5. When the captain steps up: Al Okhdood secures its first win
The match between Al Okhdood and Al Najmah was a special one: a six-pointer at the bottom of the table. The unlikely hero? Central defender and club captain Saeed Al Rubaie, who headed home a brace, and in fact, could have scored even more following corners. The narrow victory was the first win for the Najrani team and meant more misery for the freshly promoted Al Najma, who are still looking for their first point in the Saudi Pro League.
