All eyes in Saudi football, particularly those following the relegation battle in the Saudi Professional League, will be on Damac FC's stadium in Khamis Mushait on Tuesday evening. The stadium will host a crucial and decisive match between Damac and their guests, Al-Kholoud, as part of the 20th round of the competition. Both teams enter the match knowing that dropping points is unacceptable, as each seeks to regain their lost form and escape the looming threat of relegation.
The general context and the battle for survival
This match comes at a critical time for both clubs. Damac, currently in 16th place with 11 points, is experiencing its most difficult period of the season. The team has failed to win any of its last seven matches and has lost its last three, leaving it in a precarious position. The coaching staff and players are hoping this match will be a turning point, halting the bleeding of points and improving their results before it's too late. They are relying on the experience of players like Brazilian goalkeeper Kewen Silva, Algerian defender Abdelkader Bedrane, and Moroccan Jamal Harkas.
On the other hand, Al-Kholoud's situation isn't much different. Although they are ahead of Damac in the standings, occupying 14th place with 15 points, they are very close to the relegation zone. After achieving a resounding victory over Al-Fateh, the team suffered two consecutive defeats against Al-Ettifaq and Al-Nassr, raising doubts about their ability to secure their place among the elite. Al-Kholoud aspires to return to winning ways, taking advantage of the new signings they made during the winter transfer window, on whom they rely to provide the desired boost, with names like Slovakian Norber Djumber and Englishman John Buckley among their ranks.
History of the encounters and the importance of the match
Historically, the two teams have only met three times in the professional league, making this a highly anticipated and competitive encounter. Damac holds a slight advantage, having won two matches 2-1 and 3-1, while Al-Kholoud secured their sole victory with a 2-1 scoreline. This close history adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to the match, as Damac seeks to reaffirm its historical dominance, while Al-Kholoud aims to even the score and achieve a valuable away win.
The importance of this match goes far beyond just securing three points; it's a "six-pointer" in the relegation battle. The winner will not only boost their tally but also distance themselves from a direct rival, putting them in a more precarious position. The loser, on the other hand, will suffer a significant psychological blow and their task in the remaining rounds of the league will become much more difficult, making every minute of this encounter crucial in determining both teams' futures in the top flight.
