The constant flow of games simply doesn’t stop and more than half of this season’s matches already passed: please see below our latest review of the key events of the Roshn Saudi League.
It’s refreshing to see the African stars of the Roshn Saudi League again.
The Africa Cup of Nations is over and the vast number of participants of the Saudi top division keep on returning to league action. Truly a revelation to their clubs, and this round clearly shown us what they have to offer. Just to name a few brilliant moments:
– Algerian duo Aouar (Al Ittihad) and Mahrez (Al Ahli) scored stunning goals for their teams,
– Bassogog (Al Okhdood) caused a lot of trouble for Al Ittihad, set up a goal and could have scored one himself,
– Sakala (Al Fayha) seems to be reborn and back to his best since his return from the AFCON, scoring once again,
– Mané set up the winner for Al Nassr and hit the post in a dominant display against Al Taawoun,
and we could just keep on continuing.
Welcome back to the Roshn Saudi League, lads!
Al Hilal slips. Rivals capitalise.
Speaking about African absentees, Al Ahli was the team hit by the most with them. Regardless, they have built a stunning unbeaten run during this period, and now the influx of the missing stars just makes the team look even more dangerous. The victim this time was NEOM.
As already noted, Ronaldo and co successfully bested Al Taawoun, and despite the narrow scoreline, the victory of the Riyadhi giants was never in doubt, they put up a very dominant display.
While Al Hilal was dominant against Riyadhi rivals, relegation-threatened Al Riyadh, they weren’t as clinical, and drew 1-1. Important points dropped for the Blue Waves, and an important point salvaged by the hosts in their bid for survival.
It seems now that Al Hilal is chased by both Al Nassr and Al Ahli with a five points’ difference, and one may also look at Al Qadsiah (six points behind the Riyadhi leaders), who have a six-pointer at their hands against the Blue Waves. If Al Qadsiah wins next round, then the title race could take another big twist.
We are generally used to reliable penalty takers in the Saudi Pro League. Al Hazem fans aren’t.
We are a big fan of Al Somah (how could we not be?), Sayoud and Martins, and their capture by Al Hazem in the summer transfer window signalled that the offensive department is more than ready for the challenges of the Saudi top division. Indeed, Al Hazem sits solidly at the middle of the table, with no immediate threat of relegation.
However, this trio already missed a total of four penalties, convincingly sending Al Hazem at the top of the missed penalties table. Poor Martins surely felt relieved to be ordered to retake his missed penalty, up until the moment Kewin saved his second attempt. Nevertheless, while Al Hazem needs to step up with their penalties, team spirit is second to none, as they came back from behind once again (now at the expense of Damac) to secure a much-needed victory.
