We have to brace ourselves for a lengthy break in the Saudi Pro League as round 10 is going to kick off only on 19 December with an interesting battle between Damac and Al Ahli. Nevertheless, we don’t have time to despair as we have another thrilling gameweek behind us – let’s try to recap its key events!
1. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
We strongly recommend everyone to check the extended highlights of the match between Al Nassr and Al Khaleej as each goal was exceptional. Indeed, it seemed that the players had a contest that the next goal has to be even more beautiful than the previous one. And when Mané scored THAT goal, you would bet that it’s impossible to raise the bar even higher: and you would lose your bet as there is a 40 years’ old player, who is never to be underestimated.
Let’s be honest, not many of us would be able to perform THAT scissors kick even below 40. At least not after suffering from a jetlag thanks to a visit in the White House a few days earlier. Ladies and gentlemen: bow before a normal week in the life of the extraordinary Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro!
2. We stand with Marcos Leonardo
They say that life isn’t always fair, and the young Brasilian striker, Marcos Leonardo certainly could relate to that. Despite being a top performer last season, Inzaghi was ready to dismiss him due to the foreign player limit and he was only involved in the Al Hilal squad later thanks to the injury of João Cancelo.
However, he didn’t complain, and when he was called upon, delivered: it’s almost impossible to count how many times he scored this season both in the league and the cup competitions in which Al Hilal is involved. Yet, as soon as Darwin Núñez got back to match fitness, he was relegated to the bench against Al Fateh.
By the way, Al Hilal struggled to score and only sealed a much-needed win with a late penalty. Not a coincidence, isn’t it?
3. Hamdallah returns with a goal as the rivalry with Al Somah continues
It’s fair to say that one of the disappointments of the season has been Al Shabab. Indeed, the squad overhaul following the promising finish last season resulted in a disaster, and the White Lions seem to be more likely to battle relegation than for the top spots. Add to that the injury of their only overperforming player, Yannick Carrasco, and the disaster seems complete.
However, not all hope is lost for the Riyadhi giants as Hamdallah returned from injury with a goal. The Moroccan legend keeps on challenging Al Somah for the all time top scorer title, who is not giving it up easily as he also scored: his perfect penalty sealed victory for Al Hazem in the Ar-Rass Derby. The honourable battle of these two legend continues!
4. The different story of two draws: frustration for NEOM and relief for Al Najma
NEOM hosted Al Taawoun, which was expected to be a tough encounter for the promoted hosts as their starting forwards were barely available: Luciano Rodríguez was suspended and Lacazette was only registered at the bench after recovering from an injury. Yet, the latter came on from the bench and his efforts ensured a late penalty for his team, which was duly converted by Benrahma. However, the stoppage time got even more wild as in the 107th minute the visitors levelled from a late header. Consequently, Al Taawoun slid to the third spot of the league, yet NEOM was likely more disappointed with this result.
As for Al Najma, another promoted team and another draw as the newcomers visited Damac. Both teams had their chances, and Al Najma came closest to scoring as Jasim hit the bar from a free kick. Still, it’s always difficult to take anything from Damac when they’re at home, so the visitors could be happy to finally collect their first point from difficult fixture, which was long overdue and well deserved – let’s see if they can build on this result and finally kick-start their season!
5. Honourable mentions of round 9
If we want to prepare a complete overview of the latest gameweek, then this would be our longest article ever. To avoid the risk of overextension, let’s just highlight the potential talking points:
– Benzema scored his first league goal since the first round
– Al Ettifaq and Al Fayha played the match of the round with a narrow 3-2 win for the hosts – the finishing of the hosts and the fighting spirit of the visitors both deserve special praise
– If not for the goals of the Al Nassr vs. Al Khaleej encounter, Benzia (Al Fayha) would have easily claimed the goal of the gameweek title with a stunning volley
– Mendy was exceptional once again as 10-men Al Ahli beat Al Qadisah, while Al Salem once again proves with a goal that he deserves a chance in the starting line-up
– Three red cards for three PIF-backed teams: Diaby (Al Ittihad), Al Johani (Al Ahli) and N. Al Dawsari (Al Hilal) were all sent off, however, their respective teams still won their match
