RSL matchweek 12 - Sunday matches roundup

Gabri Veiga grabs his first RSL goal as Al Ahli cruises to a 3-0 win

Spanish youngster Gabri Veiga registered his first RSL goal of the season as Al Ahli eased to a 3-0 home win against Al Riyadh in the final game of Matchweek 12.

The home side opened the scoring with the game just two minutes old. An instinctive slide rule pass from Allan Saint-Maximin found Feras Al Buraikan who latched the ball into the bottom corner out of the reach of  Al Riyadh keeper Martin Campana.

Al Buraikan turned provider in the 25th minute as he finished off a slick passing move to pass the ball to Veiga. The Spaniard made no mistake in scoring his goal, although his celebration was cut short by an offside flag. After a quick VAR check, the goal was awarded.

Al Ahli had the upper hand throughout the contest and wrapped up all three points just five minutes into the second half. A long-range ball from Franck Kessie found Riyad Mahrez on the right wing, a deft touch and a devastating finish later and Al Ahli confirmed the points in style.

The result means that the Jeddah side has only lost once in the last six RSL outings and sit in fourth place in the standings.

Noor the man as Al Wehda battle back against Al Hazem

Substitute Abdulaziz Noor was the hero scoring twice as Al Wehda came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win over the ten men of Al Hazem.

It started so well for the home side, and with the game just 22 minutes old they took the lead. Portugal midfielder Toze clipped a free kick into the path of Bruno Viana who had the easiest of tap-ins. That proved to be the only decisive moment for Jose Carreno’s team who proceeded to throw away the lead in the second half.

With 70 minutes on the clock, Al Wehda’s Brazilian midfielder Anselmo produced a moment of magic as his deft flick fell into the path of Noor who clinically slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

The Saudi Arabian midfielder did not stop there and scored the winner with five minutes left in the contest. A raking ball from Moroccan Faycal Fajr found Noor who timed his run to perfection and calmly slotted the ball home. After initially being flagged for offside, VAR intervened and allowed the goal sparking jubilant scenes amongst the Al Wehda squad.

Al Taawoun & Damac Share the Spoils

 Al Taawoun and Damac shared the points in a 0-0 stalemate at the Al Taawoun Club Stadium on Sunday evening.

In a first half of little quality, the visitors Damac created the major chances of real note. Georges-Kevin N'Koudou showed plenty of guile on the left wing. Al Taawoun keeper Mailson saved his initial shot at close range. The ball fell to Assan Ceesay, but the Gambian international’s quick-fire shot painfully rebounded off the post.

Damac came close again to breaking the deadlock when Romanian Nicolae Stanciu pounced on an Al Taawoun clearance on the edge of the box. Two smart touches saw Stanciu beat his man before cutting a first-time strike that flew past the far post.

Toothless Al Taawoun dominated the ball in the second half but could not make their 65% possession count in what proved to be a frustrating night for the third-placed side in the RSL. Whilst the creditable point for Damak means that, they have now only lost once in their last six RSL outings