Epic finish set-up in Roshn Saudi League title race after late Saudi Clasico drama and Ronaldo’s perfect penalty kick
At around 22:20 on Tuesday, the Roshn Saudi League title race looked done and dusted.
Leaders Al Ittihad were 2-1 ahead at Al-Hilal and with Al Nassr drawing 0-0 at Al Tai, the gap between the top two was seven points. Then Al Hilal got a 96th-minute equaliser and it ended 2-2, Al Nassr won 2-0 to move within three points of the leaders and the drama continues with just three games to go.
For the neutrals, it could not be more exciting even if Al-Ittihad fans may not agree. On course for a first title since 2009, the Jeddah giants were hugely impressive for 30 minutes or so and looked every inch like new champions.
It was fitting that it was all taking place at the home of the reigning title-holders. Abderrazak Hamdallah is the leagueβs leading goalscorer but came up with two devastating assists first for Igor Coronado after eight minutes and then for Ahmed Bamasoudβs first goal of the season on the half-hour.
It was a delightful team goal from a team at the top of their game.
Al Ittihad may have let a double-digit lead slip to Al Hilal last season but there were no signs of nerves at all. Yet Al Hilal are Al Hilal, a team that can never be counted out.
The defending champions may be tired at the end of another long and hard season, may have been missing star players such as Salem Al Dawsari and Salman Al Faraj and may have also said goodbye to coach Ramon Diaz who returned home to Argentina last weekend for family reasons, but they are always able to rise to the occasion.Β
The four-time Asian champions and 18-time Saudi top-flight winners are not used to being second best to such an extent on their home patch, but a goal out of nothing just before half-time from Musab Al Juwayr changed everything. The second half was always going to be a pulsating affair and it always felt that there was more drama to come – and so it proved.
Michael fired home the equaliser deep into injury time and the excitement and tension in this title race moved up another notch.
It was a goal also celebrated to the north-west of the capital where Al Nassr were just leaving the field after second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Talisca. Al Nassr knew that they had to win and there would have been major frustration had they not taken advantage of Al Ittihad dropping points.
It was a tough match, however, and they were made to work very hard for their three points.
The two goal scorers have won enough league titles around the world to know that this race is now very much alive. There are now three points between the top two and their goal difference is exactly the same, although Al Itithad edge the head-to-head record.
Al Nassr did their job this week and now we move onto another titanic Tuesday. If the action, excitement and drama is anything like this one, then we are in for a treat once again next week.