PREVIEW: 2024-25 RSL Matchweek 1 Day 3
Intriguing trio of matches to close out opening round
A thrilling opening matchweek in the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League draws to a close on Saturday, with the two most recent champions getting their respective campaigns under way, and another club making their top-flight bow.
Al Kholood v Al Ittihad
What a welcome to the big time for Al Kholood, who debut in the RSL against the 2022-23 champions. The Ar Rass side will sample the Saudi Arabian top flight for the first time thanks to finishing third in last season’s First Division League.
They have been busy replenishing their squad for the step up, with the most notable being goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, for whom the stars have aligned as he faces the club he helped lift the title two campaigns ago.
Al Kholood are about to kick off their first-ever #RoshnSaudiLeague campaign! #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uxA4vv64ac
Grohe will see plenty of unfamiliar faces on the other side, though. Al Ittihad have patently resolved to consign to memory last season’s fifth-placed finish, bringing in manager Laurent Blanc, Algerian playmaker Houssem Aouar, France winger Moussa Diaby, Serbia international goalkeeper Pedrag and a host of quality Saudis.
Both sets of players will be keen to hit the ground running.
Get your tickets for Al Kholood v Al Ittihad HERE
Al Okhdood v Al Hilal
One of the main narratives this season is who will be the first to defeat Al Hilal. The reigning champions went through the 2023-24 RSL unbeaten, winning 31 of their 34 matches as records tumbled.
Al Okhdood represent the latest team to try, with new manager Stjepan Tomas getting one of the most difficult introductions to the league imaginable. That’s not to say the former Croatian international won’t embrace the challenge, as he plots an overall improvement on the club’s narrow escape from relegation last term.
Meanwhile, counterpart Jorge Jesus still cannot call upon the injured Neymar, while popular winger Michel has departed for a return to Brazil. However, Aleksandar Mitrovic will be looking to maintain his ratio of a goal every RSL appearance, and will be ably supported by AFC Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari, fellow Serb Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Brazil’s Malcom.
Expect goals in this one.
