Saudi football fans will turn their attention this Tuesday evening to Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran, where Al-Akhdoud will host Damac in a match that can be described as a "top battle to escape the bottom," as part of the twelfth round of the Saudi Professional League for the 2023-2024 season.
This match takes on added significance beyond simply being a three-pointer; it comes at a time when the Saudi league is witnessing unprecedented competition on all fronts, whether in the battle for the top spot or the relegation fight that began early this season. Both teams are in a precarious situation, making a victory crucial to get their season back on track before it's too late, especially given the close proximity of the points at the bottom of the table.
The home team, Al-Akhdoud, enters the match in 17th place (second to last) with only five points. The team has suffered from inconsistent results, managing only one win and two draws against seven losses. Tonight, they will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to secure their second victory in the competition and move further away from the relegation zone. Despite significant absences, most notably German star Khalid Nari due to injury and Cameroonian Christian Bassogog due to international duty, the coach is relying on experienced players such as Brazilian goalkeeper Samuel Lima, midfielder Petros, and Slovenian striker Blaž Kramer to make the difference.
On the other hand, Damac's situation isn't much better, as the team sits in 16th place with six points. The strange paradox of Damac's season is their complete lack of victories, having drawn six matches and lost four. Despite a relatively acceptable defensive performance in some games, most recently securing a draw against the star-studded Al-Qadisiyah, their attacking impotence and lack of clinical finishing have cost them valuable points. The team, led by Algerian captain Abdelkader Bedrane and the outstanding goalkeeper Kiwin Silva, will be hoping to break their run of draws and achieve their first league win tonight.
Historically, Damac holds the advantage in matches between the two teams in the Saudi Professional League. They have met four times previously, with Damac winning three and the fourth ending in a goalless draw. Damac's attack has scored seven goals compared to Al-Akhdoud's two. These statistics put additional pressure on Al-Akhdoud to break this streak, while providing a morale boost for the visitors.
The result of today’s match will not only affect the standings, but its effects will extend to the morale of both teams in the upcoming rounds. The winner will breathe a sigh of relief and begin the recovery journey, while the loser’s situation will become more complicated in the struggle to remain in the fierce Roshan League.
