The Saudi Pro League showcased an exhilarating round of fixtures on the second day of Matchweek 22, highlighted by a dramatic seven-goal encounter that saw Al-Ahli defeat Al-Shabab 5-2. This result marked a high point in a day filled with competitive matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In a remarkable performance at the SHG Stadium in Riyadh, Al-Ahli swiftly established dominance, racing to a 3-0 lead within the first 26 minutes. Riyad Mahrez was instrumental in this early advantage, initiating the scoring with a free-kick that Rayan Hamed converted after a scramble. Mahrez’s influence was evident as he later assisted Franck Kessie and added a goal of his own, concluding a whirlwind first half for Al-Ahli.
Al-Shabab managed to respond with goals from Yannick Carrasco, who expertly converted a free-kick and a penalty, but the visitors struggled to capitalize on their momentum. Ivan Toney’s late penalty sealed Al-Ahli’s victory and solidified his status as the leading scorer of the league, becoming the first player to reach 20 goals this season.
In another thrilling match, Al-Hilal secured a 2-0 victory against Al-Ettifaq at Kingdom Arena. Despite Al-Ettifaq’s disciplined defensive structure, Al-Hilal’s Mohammed Kanno emerged as a standout performer, opening the scoring with a header from a corner. Salem Al-Dawsari later doubled the lead with a well-placed effort following a clever assist from Kanno. Although Al-Ettifaq pushed back in the second half, they could not break through Al-Hilal’s resolute defense, allowing the league leaders to temporarily extend their grip at the top.
Meanwhile, in Jeddah, Al-Ittihad managed to edge past Al-Fayha with a 2-1 victory. Youssef En-Nesyri’s first goal of the season from a corner put the home side ahead before Al-Fayha equalized through Fashion Sakala’s well-timed header. However, Al-Ittihad’s Hassan Kadesh clinched the win with a late strike, ensuring that the team bounced back strong after their previous defeat.
As the Saudi Pro League continues, fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of matches scheduled for Saturday, which includes Al-Riyadh taking on Al-Khaleej, Al-Najma hosting Al-Kholood, and a highly anticipated clash between Al-Fateh and Al-Nassr, potentially marking Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to action after two matches on the sidelines. The league’s competitive edge promises to keep supporters engaged in the weeks to come, as teams battle for crucial points in their quest for glory.