Julian Quinones’ first-half brace earned Al Qadsiah the three points in a 2-0 win against Al Orobah at Al Jouf University Stadium on Wednesday - and consolidated their position in third place in the Roshn Saudi League table.
The in-form Mexican was lively throughout and got his first sight of goal at the 20-minute mark, when he unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards out. However, he was denied by a flying save from Belgian goalkeeper Gaetan Coucke.
Just a few minutes later, though, Quinones had the opener after his strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang picked up Mohammed Abu Al Shamat’s pass and hit it on the half-volley for the ball to find Al Qadsiah's No.33. The summer signing beat his marker in the air to head home for 1-0.
The front duo combined again in the 31th minute to produce their side’s second of the evening. Aubameyang saw his initial effort saved by Coucke, but then expertly found Quinones with an intelligent back-heel pass that was emphatically struck into the back of the net by Quinones on his left foot to double the away side's lead.
Al Qadsiah continued to dominate in the second half, with Cameron Puertas trying his luck from an angle but narrowly missing the target. While, at the other end, Fahad Al Rashidi tested Al Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels from range, only for the Belgium No.1 to confidently parried it away.
Al Orobah thought they had pulled a goal back at the stroke of the hour, when substitute Mohammed Al Qarni met Cristian Tello’s delivery from the corner with a half-volleyed effort that beat Casteels, but Puertas miraculously appeared and cleared the ball off the goal-line.
The @Auba x @julian_quiones3 partnership is in full swing ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Z2Fnp9oTbC
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 22, 2025
An eighth win in their past nine league matches ensures Al Qadsiah remain third, two points ahead of Al Nassr and nine behind leaders Al Hilal. Meanwhile, Casteels continues his march towards the 2024-25 RSL Golden Glove award with an impressive 10th clean sheet of his debut campaign in the Kingdom.
Al Orobah, in contrast, slip into the relegation zone having been eclipsed by Al Fayha, who defeated Al Kholood on Monday.
