Al Diriyah Steal 2-1 Win in Pro League Thriller

Al Diriyah edged Al-Fateh 2-1 in a Pro League Round 6 thriller decided by two penalties and a late VAR controversy – leaving the hosts ruing 60% possession that yielded only fleeting joy.

Al-Fateh’s Fast Start Falters

The home side began with intent, but Abdulelah Al Khaibari’s third-minute yellow card warned of their overeagerness. Al-Fateh’s 13 total shots told a story of wasted opportunities – none more so than in the 28th minute when Darwin Nuñez calmly converted a penalty against the run of play.

Fateh Fightback Through Abdulwahed

Seven minutes later, Mourad Batna’s creative spark unlocked Al Diriyah’s defense, allowing Faisal Abdulwahed to restore parity with Al-Fateh’s only shot on target from inside the box. The hosts celebrated like a weight had lifted – but the joy proved painfully brief.

Al Diriyah’s Penalty Drama

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Adil Boulbina’s penalty conversion sent the away end into raptures after Adrian Šemper’s yellow card offense. VAR then stole the headlines in the 65th minute when Boulbina thought he’d sealed it, only for his goal to be cruelly chalked off – but Al Diriyah clung on.

While Al-Fateh huffed through 5 second-half substitutions and 10 free kicks, their 6 shots off target and 3 blocked efforts typified a night where control never translated to cutting edge. Al Diriyah’s 40% possession strategy proved brutally effective – surviving Fateh’s late barrage through 3 vital saves.

What This Pro League Result Means

For Al Diriyah, progression through apprentice-like game management under Bruno Lage. For Khaled Al Atawi’s men, the bitter taste of 1.58 expected goals yielding just one actual strike – leaving them with much soul-searching ahead of Matchday 7.