Al-Qadisiyah defeats Al-Nasr 3-1 and ignites the Riyadh derby in the Roshan League
Al-Qadisiyah pulls off a stunning upset, defeating Al-Nasr 3-0
In one of the biggest upsets of matchday 31 of the Saudi Professional League, Al-Qadisiyah halted Al-Nassr's winning streak with an unexpected 3-1 victory at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. This result wasn't just about securing three points for Al-Qadisiyah; it was a shock that shook up the title race and intensified the atmosphere ahead of the highly anticipated Riyadh derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
Al-Qadsia started the match strongly and opened the scoring through Mohammed Abu Shamat in the 24th minute, but Al-Nasr quickly responded and equalized through João Félix in the 39th minute. In the second half, Al-Qadsia dominated and managed to score two consecutive goals through Musab Al-Juwair (55th minute) and Julian Kenonis (78th minute), securing the victory. With this valuable win, Al-Qadsia raised its points tally to 68, strengthening its position in fourth place, while Al-Nasr's points remained at 79 at the top of the table, suffering its fourth defeat of the season.
The importance of the result and its impact on the title race
This defeat for Al-Nassr comes at a very critical time, as it narrows the gap between them and their arch-rivals Al-Hilal, placing immense pressure on the "Global" team ahead of the derby match. The Saudi Professional League has captured global attention this season, especially after attracting major international stars, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, which has raised the level of competition and media interest. A victory for a team like Al-Qadisiyah against the star-studded league leaders underscores the strength of the league and the unpredictability of its results, sending a clear message that all teams are capable of fierce competition.
Other results from round 31: Al-Ahli dominates and Al-Akhdoud is officially relegated
The excitement of the round was not limited to the Al-Nasr and Al-Qadisiyah match, as other stadiums witnessed decisive results:
Al-Ahly scores four goals against Al-Akhdoud
At Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Al-Ahli returned to winning ways with a resounding 4-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud. Valentin Atangana opened the scoring in the 26th minute, followed by a brace from Franck Kessié in the 36th and 43rd minutes, and a final goal from Firas Al-Buraikan in the 72nd minute. Al-Akhdoud's Hussein Al-Zabdani was sent off in the 45th minute. With this win, Al-Ahli reached 69 points, securing third place, while Al-Akhdoud's relegation to the Yellow Division was confirmed after remaining on 23 points in 17th place.
Al-Taawon turns the tables on Al-Shabab with a five-goal victory
In Riyadh, at Al-Shabab Club Stadium, Al-Taawoun secured a resounding 5-1 victory over their hosts, Al-Shabab. Al-Shabab took an early lead through Abderrazak Hamdallah (23rd minute), but Al-Taawoun responded strongly, scoring five goals through Mohammed Al-Kwikbi (31st minute), Roger Martinez (two goals in the 35th and 53rd minutes), Angelo Fulgini (49th minute), and an own goal by Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh (73rd minute). Al-Taawoun climbed to fifth place with 52 points, while Al-Shabab remained in thirteenth place with 32 points.
