The eighteenth round of the Saudi Professional League witnessed great football excitement and fluctuations in results, as Al-Ahli continued its strong performances, confirming its determination to compete fiercely for the top spot in the standings, while Al-Ettifaq showed the character of a champion in an exciting comeback, and defensive caution dominated the match between Al-Khaleej and Al-Shabab.
Al-Ahli strikes hard in Tabuk
At King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, Al-Ahli sent a strong warning to their rivals with a resounding 3-0 victory over hosts Neom. Although the first half ended in a goalless draw amidst cautious tactical play from both sides, Al-Ahli came out firing in the second half. The turning point came in the 55th minute when English star Ivan Tony converted a penalty, earned by his teammate Ali Majrashi, to unlock Neom's defense.
The home side's woes deepened when defender Khalifa Al-Dosari was sent off in the 61st minute, a numerical advantage that Al-Ahli's stars exploited brilliantly. Just three minutes later, Algerian star Riyad Mahrez added a second goal in the 64th minute with a superb piece of skill, followed by Enzo Meo's third goal in the 67th minute. This sealed the victory for Al-Ahli, bringing their points tally to 40 and securing second place in the standings. The win reflects the significant improvement in the team's attacking system and their ability to win matches away from home.
Al-Ittifaq's comeback and a goalless draw in Dammam
Meanwhile, at Al-Hazm Club Stadium in Ar-Rass, Al-Ettifaq fans endured tense moments before their hopes were dashed. Al-Kholoud took an early lead through Argentinian Ramiro Enrique in the 16th minute, but the "Knights of Ad-Dahna" refused to give up. The star of the match, Khalid Al-Ghannam, shone brightly, scoring the equalizer in the 50th minute before snatching the decisive winning goal in the 83rd minute. This victory secured three valuable points for his team, lifting them to sixth place with 29 points, in a match that showcased the fighting spirit of the Al-Ettifaq squad.
In Dammam, Al-Khaleej and Al-Shabab played to a goalless draw at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium. The match was characterized by its competitiveness and strong physical challenges, which resulted in the expulsion of Al-Khaleej defender Mohammed Khabrani. Despite being down to ten men, Al-Khaleej held on to secure a point, bringing their total to 25, while Al-Shabab continued their slide, remaining on 13 points in a position unbecoming of the club's history.
The context of the competition and the development of the Saudi League
These results underscore the rising strength of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a global attraction thanks to its draw in some of the world's biggest football stars. Al-Ahli's resounding victory reflects the team's technical and administrative stability and its desire to reclaim its former glory, especially with the emergence of world-class players like Mahrez and Toni. Meanwhile, the results of mid-table teams like Al-Ettifaq and Al-Khaleej demonstrate that the competition is no longer limited to the top four, but has expanded to include ambitious teams capable of causing upsets.
This round gives clear indications that the struggle for the title and Asian seats will continue until the very last moment, and the struggle to stay at the bottom, which Al-Shabab and Neom are currently suffering from, will increase the intensity of the upcoming matches, which promises an exceptional season in the history of Saudi football.
