Al Ettifaq captain Wijnaldum ensures Eastern Derby at Al Qadsiah finishes all square

Al Qadsiah and Al Ettifaq played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the Eastern Derby on Saturday as the pair could not be separated in their respective Roshn Saudi League pursuits.

Al Qadsiah, attempting to complete a derby double against their east-coast rivals, took the lead at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium right on half-time, when Al Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak failed to deal with a Cameron Puertas cross from the left.

Hosts’ midfielder Mohammed Abu Al Shamat was on hand to put his side in front.

Fourth-placed Al Qadsiah, seeking to draw level on points with Al Nassr in third, could have doubled their advantage not long into the second half. However, star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to make the most of finding space at the Al Ettifaq back post to not trouble Rodak.

Then, just after the hour, Michel’s men were pay to regret the wasted opportunity, with Al Ettifaq captain Georginio Wijnaldum meeting Vitinho free-kick to nod past Koen Casteels in the Al Qadsiah net. It marked the former Liverpool midfielder’s 11th RSL goal of the season.

Aubameyang later tested Rodak with a header, but in the end, the Al Khobar club had to settle for a draw. The point keeps Al Qadsiah fourth, nine points back from RSL leaders Al Ittihad, who take on Al Ahli in the Sea Derby later on Saturday. Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, stay eighth.

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