Englishman Des Buckingham, manager of Al-Kholoud, expressed mixed feelings, combining pride in his players' performance with disappointment at the draw against Damac in their match in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. In the post-match press conference, Buckingham asserted that his team was the better side and deserved all three points, were it not for the exceptional performance of Damac's goalkeeper, who stood firm against their attacking attempts.
Match details and the brilliance of Damac's goalkeeper
The Al-Khulood coach explained that his players delivered a great performance, especially in the second half, which saw his team almost completely dominate and create numerous scoring opportunities. He added, “We controlled the game in the second half and created enough chances to win the match, but we were thwarted by the outstanding performance of the opposing goalkeeper, who saved his team on several crucial occasions. That's football sometimes; good performances don't always guarantee victory.”.
General context and importance of the match in the Roshan League
This match comes at a crucial juncture in the Roshan League, which has witnessed unprecedented competition this season at all levels, from the top of the table to the mid-table and the fight to avoid relegation. Head-to-head encounters between closely positioned teams take on added significance, as the result is not merely worth three points but directly impacts the opponent's chances. For Al-Kholoud, a win would have meant a comfortable distance from the relegation zone and a more secure position, while a draw would have been a valuable point for Damac in their battle to stay in the league.
Impact on the standings and the struggle for survival
With this draw, Al-Kholoud raised their points tally to 16, maintaining their position in 14th place, but they squandered a golden opportunity to widen the gap with their direct rival. Meanwhile, Damac earned a valuable point, bringing their total to 12 points in 15th place, keeping the four-point difference with Al-Kholoud. This result keeps the battle at the bottom of the table fierce, making the upcoming rounds crucial and decisive for both teams, as every goal and every point will be a step towards securing their place in the top division.
