Al Riyadh
Al Riyadh Defy the Odds Against NEOM
Al Riyadh clung to a 1-0 victory over NEOM in a Pro League thriller that defied the stats sheet, Teddy Okou’s 61st-minute strike proving the difference despite the hosts mustering just 33% possession.
NEOM’s Possession Dominance Fails to Pay Off
Christophe Galtier’s NEOM side controlled proceedings from the outset, completing 550 passes at 89% accuracy compared to Al Riyadh’s 264. But for all their territorial dominance – registering 12 shots to Al Riyadh’s 10 – they found Milan Borjan in inspired form, the keeper making three crucial saves including a fingertip stop from Alexandre Lacazette.
Al Riyadh’s Disciplined Defensive Display
The hosts racked up three yellow cards in a frantic first half, Victor Lekhal and Fahad Al Jayzani both booked for tactical fouls to disrupt NEOM’s rhythm. Mauricio Dulac’s halftime substitution proved inspired – Hussein Al Ali’s introduction immediately adding creativity, his 61st-minute through ball splitting NEOM’s defense for Okou to slot past Marcin Bułka.
Pro League Implications
This smash-and-grab win moves Al Riyadh up the Pro League table, their third clean sheet in four games proving their defensive solidity. For NEOM, it’s another case of possession without penetration – their 67% dominance yielding just 0.88 xG as Galtier’s star-studded attack continues to misfire.
Key Moments
61′ ⚽ Al Riyadh — T. Okou (assist: H. Al Ali)
