Al-Qadisiyah FC Silence NEOM With Clinical 2-0 Away Victory

The roar of the NEOM Stadium fell flat as Al-Qadisiyah FC executed a perfect smash-and-grab 2-0 victory in the Saudi Pro League, Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half opener and Mateo Retegui’s penalty crushing home hopes.

NEOM’s Early Domination Crumbles

For 25 minutes, Christophe Galtier’s side painted the pitch maroon – Malang Sarr’s diagonal balls finding space, Giorgos Masouras torching the flank. The stats screamed dominance: 72% possession, 6 shots to zero. Then the suckerpunch. In the 29th minute, Gastón Álvarez – already booked for a cynical tug – slipped Reijnders through. The Dutchman’s finish was ice-cold, NEOM’s high line exposed.

Al-Qadisiyah’s Defensive Steel

Brendan Rodgers’ men grew granite after the goal. Casteels became a one-man barricade – 5 saves, including a fingertip denial from Muhannad Al Saad. The numbers told the story: 12 NEOM shots inside the box, just 1 on target. When Ala’a Al-Hejji’s frustration boiled over into a booking just after halftime, NEOM’s panic was palpable.

The Penalty That Killed the Dream

56 minutes. Retegui – lethal all night – drew the foul from Zeze as he spun in the box. The Argentine blasted high left, Bulka guessing right. 2-0. Game over. Five NEOM substitutions in 14 frantic minutes couldn’t spark a revival – their xG of 1.35 mocking their wastefulness.

As Al-Qadisiyah’s subs ran down the clock, the away end’s chours of “Rodgers’ Bhoys” echoed. Three games in, the message is clear: this newly promoted side fears no one. For NEOM? A third straight winless start leaves Galtier staring at the abyss.

Key Moments

29′ ⚽ Al-Qadisiyah FC — T. Reijnders (assist: G. Alvarez)

56′ ⚽ Al-Qadisiyah FC — M. Retegui