Analysis The numbers behind the result
Al-Qadisiyah clinical despite NEOM's possession dominance
Al-Qadisiyah FC's 2-0 win slightly flattered them statistically, with NEOM holding 52% possession and generating a higher shot volume (16 to 9). However, the visitors were markedly more efficient — despite attempting half as many shots, their xG of 1.83 eclipsed NEOM's 1.35. Tijjani Reijnders' 29th-minute opener (assisted by Gastón Álvarez) and Mateo Retegui's 56th-minute penalty proved decisive, converting two of Al-Qadisiyah's three shots on target versus NEOM's five.
NEOM's territorial control (477 passes at 89% accuracy) didn't translate into clear chances — only 31% of their shots tested Koen Casteels, who made five saves. Al-Qadisiyah's defensive structure forced NEOM into 10 off-target efforts and just two corners. The visitors' 1.26 goals prevented highlights their keeper's crucial interventions, while Retegui's penalty (accounting for ~0.78 of their xG) underscored their ruthlessness in key moments.
The decisive stat: Al-Qadisiyah scored twice from three shots on target (67% conversion) — clinical finishing masked their otherwise even statistical battle with NEOM.