NEOM Edge Al-Fayha 2-1 in Pro League Opener Thriller

NEOM Hold Nerve to Claim Winning Start in Pro League

NEOM overcame a second-half red card to cling onto a pulsating 2-1 victory against Al-Fayha in their Saudi Pro League opener. The hosts struck twice in 10 first-half minutes through Amadou Koné and Saïd Benrahma, but Hugo Moura’s late reply and Ala’a Hejji’s dismissal set up a heart-stopping finale at NEOM Stadium.

NEOM’s First-Half Blitz

Christophe Galtier’s men announced their Pro League intentions early, dominating 54% possession and carving Al-Fayha open twice before the break. Koné broke the deadlock on 26 minutes, tapping home Benrahma’s cutback after the Algerian winger slithered past two defenders. Seven minutes later, roles reversed – Alexandre Lacazette threaded a sublime through ball for Benrahma to slot past Orlando Mosquera, the former West Ham man wheeling away in delight.

Al-Fayha’s Flickering Hope

The visitors’ hopes sparked when Hejji saw red for a studs-up challenge on Silvère Ganvoula after 62 minutes. Al-Fayha smelled blood. Hugo Moura gave them life on 75 minutes, nodding in Nawaf Al Harthi’s cross to set up a grandstand finish. NEOM’s defense, marshaled by Malang Sarr, repelled wave after wave – Marcin Bułka making a crucial late save from substitute Jason to preserve three precious points.

What This Means for Both Sides

For NEOM, this gritty win proves they can grind results even when the wheels come loose. Al-Fayha’s late rally, fueled by their opponents’ indiscipline, shows Carille Fabio’s men won’t be pushovers. Both sides face stern Gameweek 2 tests – NEOM travel to Al-Ittihad while Al-Fayha host Damac – but tonight belonged to Galtier’s new-look side.

Key Moments

26′ ⚽ NEOM — A. Kone (assist: S. Benrahma)

36′ ⚽ NEOM — S. Benrahma (assist: A. Lacazette)

62′ 🟥 NEOM — A. Hejji sent off

75′ ⚽ Al-Fayha — Hugo Moura (assist: N. Al Harthi)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.