Analysis The numbers behind the result
Al-Qadisiyah's dominance justified by superior xG and shot volume
Al-Qadisiyah's 3-1 victory was fully deserved, outperforming Al-Faisaly on both expected goals (2.15 vs 0.70) and shot volume (17 total shots to 5). Mateo Retegui's early opener (5') and Mohammed Abu Al Shamat's 30th-minute strike set the tone, with Al-Shanqiti's own goal (56') sealing it after Seck's brief equalizer (12'). The hosts' 57% possession translated into clear superiority, landing 9 shots on target versus Faisaly's 2.
Key differences emerged in chance creation - Al-Qadisiyah generated 13 shots inside the box (vs Faisaly's 2) and 4 corners (vs 2), underlining their attacking intent. Retegui's goal involvement and Al Juwayr's assist epitomized their threat. Faisaly, meanwhile, struggled creatively despite Girotto's assist, mustering only 0.70 xG - their three yellow cards (Al-Shanqiti, Mendy, Seoane) reflecting defensive frustration.
The defining stat? Al-Qadisiyah's 2.15 xG nearly matched their actual output, while Faisaly overperformed theirs (0.70 xG yielding one goal) - a rare clinical moment in an otherwise overwhelmed performance.