Two weeks ago Al Nassr looked unstoppable. Now Al Hilal sits at the stop of the table. What has just happened? Let’s recap the key events of the latest gameweek of the Roshn Saudi League together!
1. Al Ahli vs Al Nassr: 3 – 2
The most anticipated match of round 13 was the showdown between Ronaldo and co and the Champions of Asia in Jeddah. The lovers of Saudi football weren’t let down: a thrilling 5-goal encounter, two braces (scored by Toney and Al Amri) and two red cards (Majrashi and Boushal). The conclusion is the first league defeat for Ronaldo and co. The consequence: Al Hilal leapfrogs Al Nassr at the top of the table.
And the real test for Al Nassr is still underway: they host Al Qadsiah and play a six-pointer against Al Hilal in the next two matches. Not an easy task to bounce back!
2. Red cards all over!
Speaking about red cards, unfortunately, there have been a lot this round, namely six. The list of recipients: Majed Kanabah (Al Khaleej), Majrashi (Al Ahli), Boushal (Al Nassr), Subiani (Al Shabab), Makki (Al Shabab), Alfa Semedo (Al Fayha). The only team hit by a sending-off, which was able to win, was Al Ahli.
3. Are the Tigers back to their best?
Let’s highlight Al Ittihad: ever since the restart of the league in the end of December, the Tigers have won each of their matches. It’s great to see the Champions being back to their best. Their prey this time was high-flying Al Taawoun. Can Benzema and co perform a remarkable comeback and challenge for the title?
4. The only team unbeaten so far: Al Hilal
If we keep on praising teams, let’s bow before Al Hilal, too! The Blue Waves waited for the first slips of Al Nassr performing their own exercises diligently in the meantime. Indeed, despite their defensive showdowns sometimes lacked conviction, Al Hilal remains the only unbeaten team in the league. Their reward for this resilience is the top position in the league. Credit should also go to Darwin Núñez, who performed a man-of-the-match display to command his team above Al Nassr.
5. Not all Riyadhi teams are shining as Al Shabab and Al Riyadh compete to avoid relegation
While Al Nassr have dropped points in recent derbies, they are still very much in the title race. This cannot be said of all Riyadhi teams: unfortunately for their fans, Al Shabab and Al Riyadh are both fighting for survival. The White Lions are a negative surprise for everyone: while the complete overhaul of the team performed in the summer transfer windows rose question marks, it wasn’t expected that they will be relegation-threatened. Can Carrasco and co climb out of this mess?
