Al-Shabab overturns the score against Neom 3-2 in the Roshan League thanks to Carrasco
In a thrilling football match that kept the fans at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on the edge of their seats, Al-Shabab secured a hard-fought and valuable 3-2 victory over their guests, Neom FC, in the 15th round of the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League). This win was more than just three points; it served as a lifeline for the Lions, who were struggling in the league standings.
Match scenario: Excitement from the first minutes
The match began at a fast, attacking pace, with Al-Shabab opening the scoring very early through Hammam Al-Hamami in the fourth minute, suggesting the game would be one-sided. However, Neom's response was swift and decisive, as they equalized just two minutes later through French professional Simon Bouabre, bringing the game back to square one and proving the visitors were not there for a stroll.
The second half began with heightened excitement when Neom surprised the home side with a second goal, scored by star player Saïd Benrahma in the 49th minute, putting Al Shabab under immense pressure. However, the Belgian captain and star player Yannick Carrasco stepped up at the crucial moment, bringing Al Shabab back into the game by converting a penalty in the 57th minute to level the score. Carrasco wasn't finished there, however, and continued his impressive performance, scoring the winning goal just four minutes later, completing a remarkable comeback that ignited the stands.
The importance of winning and its impact on the league standings
This victory is of paramount importance to Al-Shabab, who have been struggling this season with inconsistent results unbecoming of their illustrious history as a pillar of Saudi football. With this win, Al-Shabab raised their points tally to 11, striving to escape the relegation zone in 14th place, a position unfamiliar to the fans of the "Sheikh of Clubs." Meanwhile, Neom, who have been delivering impressive performances this season, remain on 20 points in ninth place, comfortably positioned in the middle of the table.
Roshan League: A global competition arena
This match reaffirms the high level of competition that the Saudi Professional League (the Roshan League) has reached, with matches now featuring intense rivalry thanks to the presence of international stars like Carrasco and Saïd Benrahma. This remarkable development reflects the qualitative leap in Saudi sports, where there are no longer any easy matches, and emerging clubs like NEOM are now capable of challenging the established giants and fiercely competing with them, thus reinforcing the league's position as one of the strongest leagues in the region and the world.
