Finally, after a long wait, Al-Najma fans breathed a sigh of relief as the team achieved its first long-awaited victory in the 2025/26 Saudi Professional League season. This valuable win came against their guest, Al-Kholoud, with a score of two goals to one, in the match that brought them together on Saturday evening as part of the twenty-second round of the competition.
The victory wasn't just three points; it was a lifeline for a team that had endured a grueling 21-match winless streak. Prior to this game, Al-Najma's record was dismal, having played 21 matches, drawing five and losing 15, leaving them at the bottom of the league table with a meager points tally.
A spark of hope in the struggle for survival
With this victory, Al-Najma raised its points tally to 8. Although it remains in last place, this win represents a huge morale boost for the players, coaching staff, and fans. The team's supporters hope this match will be a turning point in the team's struggling season and the beginning of a resurgence that could help it remain among the top professional league clubs.
This victory reflects the importance of the recent changes made by the club's management in response to a string of poor results. The board decided to terminate the contract of Portuguese coach Mario Silva and appoint Serbian-British coach Nestor El Maestro, who successfully led the team to victory in his first match in charge, indicating an immediate positive impact on the team's performance.
Background of the challenge in the Stars League
Al-Najma's struggle to avoid relegation comes amidst a historic transformation in the Saudi Professional League. Since the influx of international stars, the level of competition has risen unprecedentedly, with every match now considered a final, especially for newly promoted teams or those with limited resources. This significant development has made staying in the top flight a formidable challenge, demanding tireless work and both technical and administrative stability.
The team is clearly struggling both defensively and offensively, having conceded 42 goals so far, while their attack has only managed 20. These figures highlight the significant work required of the new coach to achieve the necessary balance and start accumulating points to avoid relegation to the first division.
Expected impact and future outlook
Locally, this victory has revived hope for the city of Unaizah, whose fans stand firmly behind their team. It could ignite the relegation battle and put pressure on other teams fighting to avoid the drop. A string of positive results in the upcoming rounds is now essential if the team hopes to maintain its chances of remaining in the Roshan League for another season – a league that has captured the world's attention.
