Al-Taawoun continued their strong performances in the Saudi Professional League, securing a strategic and important 2-0 victory over Al-Shabab at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah, in a match that was part of the 14th round of the competition. This win not only earned the "Sugar Boys of Qassim" three points but also placed them firmly in contention for the top spots that qualify them for continental competitions.
Match details and decisive scenario
Al-Taawoun entered the match with a clear intention of making up for their loss to Al-Ittihad in the previous round, and they began with intense attacking pressure that resulted in an early turning point in the 18th minute when the referee showed a red card to Al-Shabab defender Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh after he fouled Colombian striker Roger Martinez. This dismissal forced Al-Shabab to play with ten men, giving the home side a complete advantage on the field.
Al-Taawoun quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage, with the referee awarding a penalty in the 27th minute after consulting VAR for a handball. The in-form Roger Martinez stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe. Just before halftime, Frenchman Angelo Fulgini doubled his team's lead in the fourth minute of added time (45+4), latching onto a perfectly weighted cross from Mohammed Al-Kwikbi and a defensive mix-up by the visitors.
The struggle for second place and the youth crisis
With this result, Al-Taawoun's points tally jumped to 31, putting them level on points with Al-Nassr (who lead on goal difference) in the league standings. This confirms that Al-Taawoun is not just a participant this season, but a fierce competitor challenging the major clubs backed by huge international signings. This ranking reflects the significant administrative and technical work being done at the club, and its ability to maintain an upward trajectory despite the intense competition.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabab's struggles continued, with their points tally remaining at 8, leaving them in 15th place – a position unworthy of the club's illustrious history. This alarming decline has placed immense pressure on the club's management and coaching staff, as the team teeters on the brink of relegation. Urgent intervention is needed to rectify the situation before it's too late, especially since Al-Shabab fans are accustomed to seeing their team competing for titles, not battling for survival.
Significance of victory and its impact
This victory sends a strong message from Al-Taawoun to the other league teams: their home ground in Buraidah will remain a fortress, and the team possesses the character to bounce back quickly after any setback. The outstanding performances of foreign players like Martinez and Folgini, alongside local talents like Al-Kwikbi, demonstrate the excellent harmony within the coach's squad, promising an exceptional season for the Wolves of Qassim amidst the significant development of Saudi football.
