Al-Qadsiah draw level with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s championship
In Saudi Arabia, Al-Qadsiah drew level on points with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League table after beating Al-Ahli 3-2. It was Brendan Rodgers’ team’s fifth win in six league matches, The National (UAE) reports.
Rodgers took charge of the Eastern Province club in December. Last season, Al-Qadsiah finished fourth, securing qualification for the AFC Champions League and financial backing to strengthen the squad. Before the start of the season, the coach said the team aimed to challenge the league’s leading clubs.
Al-Qadsiah reinforcements
Last season, Mexican forward Julián Quiñones became the league’s top scorer with 33 goals. After the victory over Al-Ahli, he said he was proud to be included among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees and had worked hard for this moment.
In the summer, Al-Qadsiah signed Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who previously played for Milan and Manchester City. In the match against Al-Ahli, he scored twice to take his tally to three goals in four appearances for the club. The squad also includes Italian forward Mateo Retegui and Spanish defender Nacho.
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Neom’s victory over Al-Hilal
Neom beat Al-Hilal 2-0, handing their opponents their first league defeat in 47 matches. Christophe Galtier’s team, which was promoted to the top division only a year ago, had 12 points and stood fifth before the sixth round.
Al-Hilal conceded after an own goal by captain Kalidou Koulibaly and a strike from Amadou Koné. Neom goalkeeper Marcin Bułka was named player of the match. Galtier called the result historic for the club, while Koulibaly admitted that his team deserved neither a win nor a draw.
Al-Nassr beat Abha 2-1 in the previous match thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Abdullah Al-Hamdan. The goal was Ronaldo’s 979th in his senior career. In the next round, Al-Nassr will play Al-Khaleej, while Al-Qadsiah will face Al-Ettifaq.
