Round 24 is over, which means that we only have ten more gameweeks left from this season. Big battles await at both ends of the table, but let’s sit back for a moment and recap the key events of the Roshn Saudi League together!
Ronaldo misses a penalty. It doesn’t matter.
If we want to quickly summarise the matches involving the teams fighting for the top spot of the Saudi Pro League: Al Qadsiah drew against Al Taawoun and fell behind, while the rest of the title contenders did their job. But there is more to the story.
It seemed that it would be the day when nothing goes Al Nassr’s way: Ronaldo missed a penalty by hitting the outside of the right post, an unlucky Al Amri own goal ended a seven matches’ long clean sheet streak in the league, and the Al Fayha defence was exalted. Ironically, an unlucky own goal from the otherwise excellent Mosquera was the winner, and a clinical Al Hamddan also ensured that the scoreline looks emphatic.
The Riyadhi derby between Al Shabab and Al Hilal was a special one. The two Riyadhi giants fought out an entertaining 3 – 5 scoreline, and both teams will feel that they would need to work on their defence. As regards Al Ahli, their tie against Al Riyadh was less entertaining, but a narrow win with an unexpected Borjan own goal ensured that they remain in the title race.
Messi scores his first goal for NEOM. It doesn’t matter, either.
Winter transfer signing Messi scored his first goal for NEOM. While it was a fine goal from the Frenchman, Al Kholood – thanks to a brace from a fantastic Hattan Bahebri – deservedly took all three points from the freshly promoted team. This was a big step by the Ar Rass-based team towards safety as they are now nine points above the relegation zone.
Al Okhdood beats Al Najmah. Will it matter?
Speaking about the relegation zone, the match between Al Najmah and Al Okhdood was a classic six-pointer. Al Najmah had to win to have any – whatever little – hope to have a mathematical chance to survive. Their opposition is a notorious survivor, and Al Okhdood didn’t show mercy, as they took all three points home.
We cheer for Najran-born local boy Saleh Al Abbas, who scored the opening goal in this vital fixture. While he didn’t quite live up to the expectations following his transfer from Al Riyadh a summer ago, this one goal could still be more important than a handful of goals elsewhere. Even if there is still a mountain to climb for Al Okhdood in order to secure their top division status. However, don’t bet against stem, long time Roshn Saudi League followers exactly know that they keep on doing exactly just that every season.
