What they said - RSL matchweek 14

Matchweek 14 of the Roshn Saudi League is done and dusted, completing another thrilling week of action.

Al Hilal recorded a stunning 9-0 win over Al Hazem; Al Ittihad were held to a 1-1 draw by Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq in Marcelo Gallardo’s first game in charge; Al Tai produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in RSL history, and Cristiano Ronaldo continued his incredible goal-scoring form with another two goals as Al Nassr made it 12 games unbeaten.

As always, there were talking points galore. This is just some of what the players and coaches from across the league were saying during the past few days:

Al Okhdood’s Nigerian international Saviour Godwin may have been on the receiving end of more Ronaldo brilliance, but on Instagram he shared his delight at sharing the pitch with his idol.

“Gutted not to come back home with the win. But also great feeling to play alongside my role model #dreamsdontdie”

Al Nassr coach Luis Castro is also in awe of his enduring captain and his goal scoring heroics, with the Portuguese legend now on 15 for the season nearing the halfway mark.

“The second goal, he shows perfect vision. It’s very difficult to do this - but Cristiano is different. When you are No.1 in the world, everything is possible. Cristiano is a fantastic player. Cristiano has had fantastic moments this season and it’s just natural for him. He is a pleasure to work with in training and playing.”

Al Okhdood’s manager, Martin Sevela, also commented on the contribution of the 38-year-old.

“Al Nassr’s players are high quality. The first goal, it’s a good first touch by Ronaldo and a good strike. The second was high quality from Ronaldo. He only needed one touch and to score that goal is difficult. He is high quality. He is 38 years old, but he is top level.”

Al Hilal recorded the biggest win in RSL history with that 9-0 defeat of Al Hazem to stay top of the table for another week. Brazilian star Malcom, who scored a hat-trick, was a man of few words after the game, preferring to do his talking on the pitch. But his smile said it all.

“Three more points, three goals. So very happy!”

Al Tai produced one of the most remarkable come-from-behind victories in the history of the RSL, scoring three times in second-half stoppage time against Al Raed to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory. Bernard Mensah continued his impressive goal-scoring form, striking twice to take his tally to eight goals for the season. He then jumped on Instagram to convey his delight.

“What a perfect night with 3pt .. great team work”

Al Ettifaq denied Gallardo a winning start to his tenure at Al Ittihad, securing a 1-1 draw at a capacity Ettifaq Club Stadium. Afterwards, coach Gerrard had plenty of praise for the effort of his players.

“The dressing room was full of sadness on my players’ faces because of the draw. No player deserved to be changed to be honest, that’s why we didn’t use the bench in this game.”

Al Fateh celebrated a significant milestone for the club with the official opening of the Al Fateh Club Stadium in Al Ahsa. One of the legends of the club, Brazilian born Elton, who spent five years at the club between 2011 and 2016, was invited to return for the celebration.

“Very happy to see Al Fateh getting bigger every day and knowing that I am part of this story, thank you for inviting me to this special moment at the club.”

Al Ahli couldn’t find a way past Al Shabab, sharing the points in a 0-0 draw that sees them slip 11 points behind league leaders Al Hilal - an outcome that disappointed midfielder Franck Kessie.

“Not the result we wanted, let’s focus on making it right next week 🟢 Thank you for all your support! #FK79”