The postponed tenth round of the Saudi Roshan League witnessed a major shock for Al-Ettifaq fans, after the team suffered a heavy and humiliating defeat against its traditional rival, Al-Qadisiyah, by a score of four goals to nil, in the match that was held at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al-Khobar, known as the “Eastern Derby”.
This crushing defeat sparked widespread anger among Al-Ettifaq fans, who expressed their deep dissatisfaction on social media. Criticism focused primarily on the players' lackluster performance and lack of fighting spirit, as well as the egregious defensive errors that cost the team easy goals. The coaching staff, led by Saudi coach Saad Al-Shehri, was not spared from criticism either, with a large segment of the fans holding him responsible for the loss due to his tactical choices and what they described as "unsuccessful" tactics. They demanded that the management review its approach and take decisive action to get the team back on track.
Historical context and importance of the Eastern Derby
The Al-Ettifaq vs. Al-Qadisiyah match carries special significance that transcends the mere prospect of three points. The "Eastern Derby" is one of the most prestigious derbies in Saudi football, representing a historic rivalry between the cities of Dammam (Al-Ettifaq's home ground) and Khobar (Al-Qadisiyah's home ground). Matches between the two teams have always been fiercely contested and thrilling, with the outcome serving as a source of pride or heartbreak for both sets of fans for months to come. Therefore, a 4-0 defeat in this particular derby is a deep wound to the pride of the club and its supporters, especially considering Al-Ettifaq's historical status as one of the pillars of Saudi football and the first team to win the league title undefeated.
Expected impact and repercussions of the loss
This loss was more than just a temporary setback; it exacerbated the team's woes, dropping them to seventh place in the Roshan League standings with 38 points – a position far below the expectations of fans who had hoped for a spot in Asian competitions. This result intensifies the pressure on the club's management and coaching staff, and puts coach Saad Al-Shehri's future in jeopardy amidst growing fan demands for immediate change. This defeat is expected to have a psychological impact on the players ahead of their upcoming match against Al-Hazm on Friday in the 24th round of the league, a match that has become a last chance to appease the fans and regain lost confidence.
