RSL Matchweek 1 Highlights: New Recruits Steal the Show

With several new recruits making their debut in the Roshn Saudi League during Matchweek 1, opportunities abounded for players to make an instant impact.

Fortunately, many rose to the occasion. Here, we highlight some of the newcomers who made a name for themselves as the eagerly awaited 2024-25 RSL season kicked off.

Check out all the results from an exciting Matchweek 1 schedule! #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ih6WnbumHw

Lucas Kal (Al Riyadh)

Nothing beats a six-goal thriller to get the season truly underway. Kudos to Al Wehda and Al Riyadh, who played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw in Mecca. The visitors, refreshed with new talent, perhaps left the happier, thanks to a remarkable effort from Kal.

What an incredible 97th-minute strike from Lucas Kal on his debut to equalize for Al Riyadh! #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/QhAHgaku7w

Newly signed from Brazil’s Atletico Goianiense, the midfielder unleashed an unstoppable shot from 30 yards during stoppage time, sending the ball into the top corner. The clock read 97 minutes. Kal not only secured a point for his new club but also provided an earlier assist for Ibrahim Bayesh, making it 2-2—a debut to remember.

Julian Quinones (Al Qadsiah)

When it comes to making an impression, many might have expected Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to steal the spotlight early on for Al Qadsiah. However, the Gabon international, who joined last month from Olympique de Marseille, did not feature in the newly promoted side’s opening 3-0 win at home to Al Fateh. Instead, Quinones took center stage.

Julian Quinones scored twice on his #RoshnSaudiLeague debut for Al Qadsiah #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/s7Big4G0Kx

The Mexican forward, who left Club America in his homeland for Al Khobar, scored twice on Friday. He opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a controlled touch and powerful shot, and secured the win in stoppage time by heading home from close range off a Mohammed Abu Al Shamat cross.

Nacho (Al Qadsiah)

Among the marquee additions to the RSL this summer, former Real Madrid captain Nacho brings unparalleled experience to the league’s newcomers. Nacho, who lifted both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA European Championship Germany 2024 titles earlier this summer, played a key role in keeping a clean sheet in Al Qadsiah’s first match—a promising sign for a team with significant offensive firepower.

It's also worth acknowledging the man behind Nacho: Belgium international goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who enjoyed a clean sheet on his competitive debut.

Houssem Aouar (Al Ittihad)

What a way to introduce - and endear - yourself to your new fan base. Recruited from Italy’s AS Roma, Aouar is expected to be one of the star performers in the RSL this season. The Algerian playmaker joined the remodeled 2022-23 champions’ midfield to assist stars like Karim Benzema and Moussa Diaby.

Aouar makes himself a debut hero for Al Ittihad! #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/v69kHMqp4P

But it was Aouar who secured victory at Al Kholood on Saturday. As the match against the RSL debutants seemed to be heading towards a stalemate, the former Olympique Lyon player scored deep into injury time, finishing adroitly off an Abdulrahman Al Obud pull-back. Al Ittihad celebrated an opening victory, and their fans found another hero to cheer.

Marek Rodak (Al Ettifaq)

On paper, Al Ettifaq appeared to have one of the hardest tasks of Matchweek 1. The Dammam club, which finished sixth last season, visited a resurgent Al Shabab, who finished eighth under manager Vitor Pereira last season.

Marek Rodak makes his debut for Al Ettifaq #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/H2HfBYLKcW

This summer signing from English Premier League club Fulham would have been relieved that Al Shabab were without RSL legend Abderrazak Hamdallah. Nonetheless, he still faced threats from Haroune Camara, Yannick Carrasco, and Giacomo Bonaventura.

Rodak managed to keep a clean sheet, despite some close calls, laying the groundwork for Moussa Dembele’s stunning winner 16 minutes from time. Ettifaq triumphed 1-0, overcoming a substantial challenge.