In a nail-biting night of football that went down to the wire, Al-Fateh lived up to their reputation as a team that never gives up, snatching a dramatic 1-1 draw against their visitors, Al-Hazm. This thrilling result, achieved in stoppage time, came in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League, at the Al-Ahsa Stadium, marking the second consecutive time that Al-Fateh have avoided defeat in the dying moments.
The context of the match and its importance in the Roshan League
This encounter comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention thanks to its attraction of international stars. In this context, every match and every point takes on added importance. For Al-Fateh, the 2012-2013 league champions, these matches represent an opportunity to improve their mid-table position and distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Al-Hazm is striving to collect points to escape the specter of relegation and secure their place among the elite, making this a highly competitive tactical and physical battle.
Details and events of the exciting encounter
Al-Hazm dominated the first half, posing the greater threat to the home side's goal. The visitors' attempts began early with a powerful free kick from veteran Syrian star Omar Al-Somah , but Spanish goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco was equal to the task in the 10th minute. The pressure continued with another shot from Mohammed Al-Yami, which Pacheco brilliantly saved. In the 42nd minute, Al-Hazm's pressure paid off with a well-deserved penalty, which Omar Al-Somah stepped up to convert, giving his team the lead.
Al-Fateh entered the second half with a clear desire to equalize, and almost achieved this through their Moroccan star, Mourad Batna, whose direct free kick went just wide of the post in the 51st minute. However, Al-Hazm nearly sealed the victory when Nawaf Al-Habashi found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Pacheco once again shone and saved his team from a certain goal in the 55th minute. Al-Fateh did not give up, as Algerian Sofiane Bendebka wasted another golden opportunity when he faced the goal and shot the ball wide of the post.
A killer goal changes the course of the points
As the match seemed destined for a valuable victory for Al-Hazm, the first minute of stoppage time (90+1) brought a dramatic equalizer for Al-Fateh. Portuguese defender Jorge Fernandes on a scramble in the penalty area, pouncing on a loose ball and slotting it into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. This goal not only saved Al-Fateh from defeat but also denied Al-Hazm three crucial points in their fight for survival.
Impact of the result on the standings table
With this result, Al-Fateh raised their points tally to 23, strengthening their position in the safe zone, while Al-Hazm reached 21 points, keeping their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. This exciting draw underscores the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League, where any team can turn the tide at any moment, promising fans even more excitement and close matches in the remaining rounds of the competition.
