Matchweek 2 Preview: Al Fateh vs. Al Ahli, Al Fayha vs. Al Nassr
"Exciting Matchweek 2 Set to Thrill as Al Fateh Seeks Redemption, Al Fayha Faces Ronaldo-Led Al Nassr, and Al Ahli Aims to Climb the RSL Summit!"
After an electrifying start to the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League season last week, there's barely a moment to breathe as the top flight returns almost immediately for Matchweek 2.
Here, we preview the first three fixtures of the round, taking place on Tuesday.
The Jens Gustafsson era at Al Fateh did not begin as they had hoped, with a 3-0 loss against RSL newcomers Al Qadsiah last Friday. However, their first home game of the season provides a swift opportunity to rebound, even if they face one of the league’s most prominent sides.
Al Fateh will be hoping to call upon Mourad Batna, one of their key attacking players last season, after the influential Moroccan forward missed the Al Qadsiah clash. The club can also find some comfort in the corresponding fixture from 2023-24: Al Fateh achieved one of the standout results of the season, winning 5-1.
Firmino connected with Kessie's cross to double the Al Ahli lead #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/PHtnmNltWC
Al Ahli, then, will undoubtedly be eager to make amends for that result, even though they significantly regrouped to eventually finish third in the table. They kicked off their 2024-25 RSL campaign on Friday with a well-deserved 2-0 win at home against newly promoted Al Orobah, where captain Roberto Firmino again showed signs of a much-improved second season in Saudi.
This match, however, represents a stern test for the Saudi striker and an Al Ahli side aiming for the RSL summit.
Get your tickets for Al Fateh v Al Ahli HERE
Al Fayha v Al Nassr
Similar to Al Fateh, Al Fayha had a rocky start to the 2024-25 campaign, losing to Al Taawoun last Thursday with a 95th-minute goal by Abdulfattah Adam. New manager Christos Kontis was left to rue this result in his RSL debut.
Having parted ways with a large number of players over the summer, Al Fayha will again look to the prolific Fashion Sakala to finish their plays. Following his impressive 19 RSL goals last term, the Zambian was the brightest of his attacking teammates against Al Taawoun but couldn't open his 2024-25 account.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the third-fastest player to score 50 goals in #RoshnSaudiLeague history pic.twitter.com/yhLhC59z3d
Al Nassr, meanwhile, will also seek to bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Al Raed on Thursday. The Riyadh club, runners-up last season, initially felt some relief with Cristiano Ronaldo's goal; their captain broke the single-season RSL goal record in 2023-24 with 35 goals, and his latest score took his overall RSL tally to 50.
Somewhat surprisingly, Ronaldo failed to score against Al Fayha in the RSL last season, so you can bet the Portuguese superstar will be extra motivated this time around.
