Al-Ittihad's first football team continued its strong performances in the Saudi Professional League, achieving a valuable and well-deserved victory over its host, Neom Club, with a score of 3-1, in the popular match that took place at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, on Wednesday evening, as part of the competitions of the twelfth round of the competition.
First half details: competitiveness and early goals
The match began with great enthusiasm from both sides, with Al-Ittihad clearly eager to score an early goal, which they achieved in the 14th minute through the brilliant Portuguese player Roger Fernandes, who converted a well-coordinated attack with a perfectly placed header into the net. Despite Al-Ittihad's dominance and attempts to extend their lead through Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, whose shot went just wide of the post, the home side's response was swift.
Algerian Said Benrahma brought the game back to square one by scoring the equalizer for Neom in the 27th minute from a direct free kick that he executed brilliantly, hitting the post and going into the net. The first half ended in a positive draw amidst high technical excitement and an exchange of dangerous attacks, the most notable of which was Moussa Diaby’s shot that went alongside the post.
Second half: The Dean's experience decides the outcome
In the second half, Al-Ittihad asserted their dominance, with Dutchman Steven Bergwijn tipping the scales in their favor by scoring the second goal in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a superb cross. Neom attempted a comeback through several efforts by Ahmed Abdo, but their haste and bad luck prevented them from doing so.
The excitement reached its peak in stoppage time, as Brazilian Fabinho saved his goal from a certain goal for Neom by clearing the ball before it crossed the goal line, turning the ball into a quick counter-attack that substitute Ahmed Al-Ghamdi finished with a third killer goal in the (90+6) minute, confirming Al-Ittihad’s right to the three points.
The importance of winning and its impact on the standings
With this crucial victory, Al-Ittihad raised their points tally to 20, strengthening their position in the title race and reaffirming their determination to reclaim their former glory in the league. Meanwhile, Neom's points remained at 17, leaving them in the middle of the table despite a strong performance against one of Saudi Arabia's football giants.
This victory is of particular importance to Al-Ittihad as it came away from home and against a developing team with outstanding players, giving a huge morale boost to the coach and players to continue the winning streak in the upcoming rounds.
General context: The development of the Roshan League and the spread of competition
This match confirms the great development witnessed by the Saudi Roshan League, where the competition is no longer limited to the traditional poles only, but new clubs and different regions such as “Neom” have entered the heart of the competition, supported by global recruitment that has raised the market and technical value of the league.
The holding of such popular matches in the city of Tabuk also reflects the comprehensive sports movement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing, where the sports strategy aims to spread the culture of football and enhance the infrastructure in all regions, making the Saudi League the focus of the world’s attention and a fierce competition whose results cannot be easily predicted.
