Analysis The numbers behind the result
NEOM's clinical finishing outweighs Al-Faisaly's possession dominance
The 2-0 scoreline flattered NEOM slightly given the balance of play, with Al-Faisaly's 0.56 xG from 7 total shots (3 on target) suggesting they created enough for at least a goal, while NEOM's 1.28 xG from 8 shots (3 on target) indicates their two-goal haul was slightly fortuitous. Despite Al-Faisaly enjoying 58% possession and completing more passes (460 vs 339), NEOM were more efficient in the final third, converting both their big chances through Alexandre Lacazette's clinical double (51', 60') assisted by Khalil Al Absi and H. Camara respectively.
Al-Faisaly's early disallowed goal (11') and two yellow cards (Bongonda 37', Bassogog 56') disrupted their rhythm, while NEOM's compact 4-4-2 limited the hosts to just 1 corner despite their territorial advantage. The key difference was finishing: NEOM scored twice from three on-target efforts (66% conversion), while Al-Faisaly failed to convert any of their three shots on goal. Lacazette's 1.28 xG overperformance (2 goals) was the decisive individual contribution.
The single stat that explains the outcome: NEOM's goals prevented (1.97) matched Al-Faisaly's, but their goalkeeper made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.