Latest news with #RoshnProfessionalLeague
Arab Times
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr set for high-stakes classico in Roshn League
RIYADH, Feb 12: Al-Ahli is gearing up to host Al-Nassr in a highly anticipated classico that will ignite the 20th round of the Roshn Professional League today at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Al-Ahli is currently fifth with 38 points, trailing third-place Al-Nassr and fourth-place Al-Qadisiyah, both tied at 41 points. Their first-leg encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a fierce rematch. Al-Ahli aims for a crucial victory to close the gap on the league leaders, while Al-Nassr is determined to keep pace with title contenders Al-Hilal (47 points) and Al-Ittihad (49 points). A win for Al-Nassr would strengthen its push to break into the championship race and avenge its first-round draw with Al-Ahli at First Park Stadium. However, Al-Nassr faces a challenging hurdle: its inability to extend a winning streak beyond four consecutive league matches this season. Under Italian coach Stefano Pioli, the team has repeatedly failed to secure a fifth straight victory, and momentum has stalled after four consecutive wins. So far, Al-Nassr has won 12 of its 19 league matches, but each time it reaches a four-game winning streak, it falters in the next match. This time, Al-Ahli stands in the way, and Al-Nassr is eager to break the cycle. Pioli's first winning streak began after taking over from Portuguese coach Luis Castro, leading Al-Nassr to victories over Al-Ettifaq, Al-Wahda, Al-Arabiya, and Al-Shabab before being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw against Al-Khulud. The question now is whether Al-Nassr can finally overcome its streak-ending jinx and claim a vital win against Al-Ahli.
Arab Times
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Saudi Federation apologizes for referee's blunder in Al-Hilal vs Al-Qadisiyah match
RIYADH, Jan 29: The Saudi Football Federation has acknowledged a refereeing error in the Al-Hilal vs Al-Qadisiyah match in the Saudi Premier League, according to local media reports. Al-Qadisiyah secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal on Monday in Dammam, concluding the 17th round of the league. A controversial moment occurred in the 42nd minute when Al-Qadisiyah's Nacho Fernandez made a handball during a joint challenge with Al-Hilal's Sergej Savic, prompting calls for a penalty from the "leader" players. However, Austrian referee Julian Weinberger dismissed these appeals, awarding an indirect free kick to Al-Qadisiyah instead, after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). Refereeing expert Muhammad Kamal Risha called the decision "strange" in statements to Al-Riyadhiyah. Al-Jazirah newspaper reported that the VAR official advised the on-field referee that Nacho should have been sent off for deliberately handling the ball and that a penalty should have been awarded to Al-Hilal. Despite this, Weinberger stood by his decision, calling it offside. The Saudi Football Federation's referees committee has since confirmed that the decision not to expel Nacho was incorrect, with no valid justification for the call. Meanwhile, the 18th round of the Roshn Professional League kicks off today with three matches: Al-Orobah vs. Al-Ahly, Al-Riyadh vs. Al-Wehda, and Al-Raed vs. Al-Nasr.
