Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel, manager of Al-Fayha FC, expressed his immense joy at his team's valuable 3-2 victory over hosts Al-Taawoun FC at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. Emanuel described the win as a "special day," emphasizing that the team had finally broken a long-standing "curse" that had plagued them in previous matches at this stadium.
In the post-match press conference, Emmanuel stated, “The team’s mentality has improved significantly recently, and it’s not just about winning four of our last six matches. We were the better side for much of the game, and the players have shown great potential for growth and improvement.” He added, “Football is built on mistakes, and whoever makes more mistakes loses. We’ve worked hard to reduce our errors, and I’m very happy that we achieved our first ever victory at Al-Taawoun’s ground, a club that is having a remarkable season and is currently among the top five teams in Saudi Arabia.”.
Historical context and the importance of winning
This victory holds special significance for Al-Fayha, extending far beyond simply securing three points. Historically, Al-Taawoun's stadium in Buraidah has posed a significant challenge for the "Orange" team, as they had never previously tasted victory there in any Saudi Professional League encounter. This achievement represents a breaking of a psychological and historical barrier, boosting the confidence of the players and coaching staff in their ability to achieve positive results against top teams, especially away from home – a crucial factor in a competitive league like the Saudi Professional League.
Impact on the two teams' league trajectory
In terms of the league standings, this victory represents a significant boost for Al-Fayha in their quest to distance themselves from the relegation zone and solidify their position in the middle of the table. The win increases the team's points tally and provides them with some breathing room as the season approaches its decisive stages. Conversely, this loss is a blow to Al-Taawoun's ambitions, as they strive to compete for a top spot that would qualify them for the AFC Champions League. Dropping three points at home against a mid-table team could jeopardize their chances of achieving their goals by the end of the season and intensify the competition for a top-four finish.
