Al-Fateh, nicknamed "The Model," is experiencing one of its most difficult periods this season in the Saudi Professional League. The team has entered a spiral of negative results, extending to seven consecutive matches – equivalent to 630 minutes of play – without a single victory. This worrying streak began after their last win against Al-Riyadh on January 13th, and since then, their winning streak has completely stalled, transforming the team from a contender aspiring to the top positions into one struggling to regain its footing in the middle of the standings.
Historical context: From surprise champion to team seeking stability
It's impossible to discuss Al-Fateh's decline without recalling their historic achievement, still etched in the memory of Saudi football, when they surprised everyone by winning the Saudi League title in the 2012-2013 season in one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history. This achievement earned the club a special status and immense respect, and made its fans constantly expect performances worthy of its legacy. Although the team has settled into a mid-table position in recent years, it has always played organized football and proven a formidable opponent for the top clubs, making its current decline all the more worrying for its supporters.
Details of the decline: A series of painful draws and defeats
During their recent winless streak, Al-Fateh played seven matches, managing only 4 points out of a possible 21, dropping to tenth place with 24 points. The struggles began with a 1-1 draw against Al-Najma, followed by a heavy 5-2 home defeat to Al-Kholoud, a match that exposed their defensive frailties. The points hemorrhage continued with a 2-0 loss to Al-Fayha, before the team salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Al-Ittihad, displaying some attacking prowess but failing to hold onto their lead. This was followed by three consecutive 1-1 draws against Al-Hazm and Al-Qadisiyah, and finally a 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr, which confirmed the ongoing problems.
Importance and impact: increasing pressures and an uncertain future
This decline has multiple repercussions. Domestically, the pressure has intensified on the coaching staff, led by Portuguese coach José Gomes, and the players are now facing criticism for repeated individual errors and a lack of focus in crucial moments. The team's failure to qualify for Asian competitions is also a major disappointment for the club's management and fans. Given the high level of competition in the Roshan League this season, this continued slump could put the team in a precarious position in the upcoming rounds. Al-Fateh urgently needs a comprehensive review, not only tactically but also in terms of team spirit and mental focus, because the upcoming matches will be unforgiving for a team that continues to drop points so easily. They must rediscover their winning form before it's too late.
