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Midseason review of Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024

Al-Hilal are top of the Roshn Saudi League as it returns following the lengthy AFC. (Asian Cup break X/@Alhilal_FC)
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Updated 14 August 2024
Matt Monaghan
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Midseason review of Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024

  • Arab News looks at the state of play for the SPL clubs as they return from the AFC Asian Cup break, starting with positions 1-9
Updated 14 August 2024
Matt Monaghan

Anticipation abounds ahead of this week’s restart of the 2023-2024 Roshn Saudi Pro League.

The six-week interlude for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup saw managerial changes, eye-catching player acquisitions and noteworthy exits.

Arab News provides a breakdown of the 16 clubs as they head into Thursday’s resumption, including their key winter business and outlook for the 15 remaining matchweeks.

In part one, we look at the clubs occupying the first nine positions.

 

1. Al-Hilal

Points 53

Goals scored/conceded 59-9

Season so far: The major injury to Neymar aside, this campaign could not be going any better.

Their other massive summer additions have all contributed significantly — Serbia hitman Aleksandar Mitrovic has struck 17 times, and Salem Al-Dawsari is putting in displays worthy of being AFC Player of the Year. In addition, it is like returning head coach Jorge Jesus has never been away, and November’s 9-0 thrashing of Al-Hazem was the division’s biggest win.

Major winter changes: With an attack firing on all cylinders even without Neymar, a measured call was made to bolster defensive ranks with the addition of Marseille and Brazil fullback Renan Lodi.

Outlook: In short, Hilal look unstoppable in this quest to regain their crown. Last week they registered a 2-0 victory versus Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Season Cup. A 12-match top-flight winning run has opened up a seven-point lead, while they boast the best defense and attack. They must navigate away-trips to nearest challengers Nassr and Al-Ahli.

 

2. Al-Nassr

Points 46

Goals scored/conceded 55-23

Season so far: An opening pair of league defeats had set alarm bells ringing. But the summer decision to hire Luis Castro has proven to be an inspired one. The Brazilian has orchestrated 56 goal contributions from a fearsome attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Talisca, with Marcelo Brozovic and Aymeric Laporte adding defensive quality. The only serious blemish was December’s 3-0 derby humbling at Hilal, which had seen a second-half collapse.

Major winter changes: The loan of Aziz Behich from Melbourne City raised eyebrows. Also, either the experienced Australia left-back or injury prone returning Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina will take the place of departed Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana. The latter was part of a trio of mid-season exits to Ettifaq, alongside winger Khalid Al-Ghannam and Saudi Arabia center-back Abdullah Madu.

Outlook: With the ageless Ronaldo at the top of scoring (20) and assists (nine), anything is possible. A return of 46 points from the last 51 shows they will be there, if imperious Hilal ever start slipping.

 

3. Al-Ahli

Points 40

Goals scored/conceded 41-19

Season so far: This season was always going to be a work in progress because of a heralded top-flight return, the injection of world-class signings and the visionary hire of young German manager Matthias Jaissle. Al-Ahli’s four-match winning start belied their winter struggles to come.

But a near-perfect December witnessed things click under their ex-Red Bull Salzburg tactician. The influence of the Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations inspiration Franck Kessie is palpable. In addition, Algeria superstar Riyad Mahrez has 15 goal contributions and Saudi Arabia striker Firas Al-Buraikan headed into the break with five goals in his last five league outings — made vital by ex-Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino’s disappointing output.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: A nine-point gap to Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad means these promoted giants are well placed to hold on for qualification to the inaugural AFC Champions League elite. They must showcase how the youthful and visionary Jaissle can carry them even further in 2024-2025.

 

4. Al-Taawoun

Points 34

Goals scored/conceded 32-22

Season so far: Another campaign as dark horses under the ingenious Pericles Chamusca continues. A flood of summer exits at last term’s fifth-placed finishers did not derail them. Instead, we have witnessed former Al-Wahda target man Joao Pedro netting frequently upon his return to the Kingdom. In addition, former Nantes defender Andrei Girotto represents a rock at the back alongside Saudi Arabia breakout Awn Al-Saluli, and Nagoya Grampus-import Mateus has registered four goals and assists. Ending December with two defeats provides a note of caution, however.

Major winter changes: Key Spanish midfielder Alvaro Medran departed to Ettifaq, with the mercurial Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi among those making the opposite trip. Argentine playmaker Cristian Guanca has a new temporary home, on loan from Al-Shabab.

Outlook: It appears a huge ask to gatecrash the top three, but Chamusca’s ambition and application makes this a possibility.

 

5. Al-Ittihad

Points 31

Goals scored/conceded 37-26

Season so far: This has been a title defense to forget. The fanfare that greeted the summer arrivals of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho has not translated onto the pitch. Nuno Espirito Santo departed in November and his replacement Marcelo Gallardo has taken just seven points from 18. They are a side struggling in the transition from defensive football to an expansive outlook. A 3-0 victory last week against Al-Tai — rescheduled because of Al-Ittihad’s early FIFA Club World Cup exit — does hold promise.

Major winter changes: A free transfer granted to Brazilian assist-machine Igor Coronado should allow fit-again Egypt colossus Ahmed Hegazi to be re-registered after serious injury. Al-Shabab fullback Fawaz Al-Sqoor has inked a move from Al-Shabab when on Asian Cup duty, while Hamed Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi and Saad Al-Mousa have joined on loan from Ettifaq; with Abdulrahman Al-Aboud and Haroune Camara moving the opposite way.

Outlook: With so much ground to make up, Gallardo must swiftly showcase the brilliance which made him a triple Copa Libertadores champion.

 

6. Damac

Points 30

Goals scored/conceded 35-25

Season so far: Cosmin Contra’s first full campaign has been hugely impressive. Fueled by the sensational 14-goal return from ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, the wiles of Egypt veteran Tarek Hamed and impact of Romania forward Nicolae Stanciu, a rise from last term’s eighth place appears apparent. This will be some achievement.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: They have Taawoun in their sights for a battle to become the competition’s best of the rest.

 

7. Al-Fateh

Points 29 

Goals scored/conceded 33-26

Season so far: Another former Ittihad boss is working wonders in the Kingdom. Slaven Bilic has weathered the late exit of Firas Al-Buraikan, developing a potential Asian superstar in teenager Abbas Al-Hassan, and eliciting excitement through driving attackers Mourad Batna, Cristian Tello and Lucas Zelaryan. They have recorded just one defeat from matchweek four to 11.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: Another side that have Taawoun and Damac in their sights. A repeat of last term’s sixth-place finish would be commendable.

 

8. Ettifaq

Points 25

Goals scored/conceded 22-22

Season so far: Here is a manager and a squad with much to prove. Steven Gerrard’s heralded tenure began with purpose, with his victory over Nassr being one of five from his opening seven RSL games. The wheels had already started to come off, however, before injury to seven-goal French striker Moussa Dembele. They are currently winless from their last eight matchweeks.

Major winter changes: This has easily been the busiest side. A frantic end to the transfer window witnessed Abha raided for Cameroon forward Karl Toko Ekambi, Taawoun for Medran, and Nassr for Fofana. International headlines had already been made by England midfielder Jordan Henderson’s departure to Ajax. Brazilian forward Vitinho (Al-Shabab) and DR Congo center-back Marcel Tisserand (Abha) also exited.

Outlook: Gerrard must justify last month’s award of a two-year contract extension despite disappointing recent results. Superior squad depth has been delivered to him.

 

9. Al-Wehda

Points 25

Goals scored/conceded 31-34

Season so far: A significantly more comfortable campaign than last season’s relegation battle. The return of manager Giorgios Donis and impactful Australia winger Craig Goodwin have provided sizeable uplift in quality. Veteran pre-season recruit Odion Ighalo’s nine goals is already six more than anyone managed in 2022-2023.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: Al-Wehda is enjoying mid-table security. Saudi Arabia forward Abdulaziz Noor is one to watch, after recording three goals and five assists in 18 games.

Topics: Saudi Arabia ROSHN Saudi Pro League  SPL SPL Al-Ettifaq SPL Al-Wehda SPL Al-Fateh SPL Al-Hilal SPL Al-Nassr SPL Al-Ahli SPL Al-Taawoun SPL Al-ittihad SPL Damac

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Al-Ittihad champions: 5 reasons behind the Jeddah giants’ 2025 Saudi Pro League title triumph

Updated 16 May 2025
John Duerden
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Al-Ittihad champions: 5 reasons behind the Jeddah giants’ 2025 Saudi Pro League title triumph

  • How Karim Benzema’s leading of deadly strike force, big-game mentality and local talent helped the Yellows to a 10th league crown
  • Even at the grand old age of 37, his goalscoring talents have been there for all to see
Updated 16 May 2025
John Duerden

LONDON: Al-Ittihad are champions of Saudi Arabia. The Tigers clinched their 10th title on Thursday with two games of the season remaining after a 3-1 win at Al-Raed. It has been a long campaign, and here are five reasons behind the latest success for the yellow-and-black half of Jeddah.

Benzema, Aouar and Diaby provide an irresistible attacking force
Of course, the biggest star gets the most attention but this has been a season to remember for Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was beset by injuries in his first season and, while he was on the sidelines as the title was clinched on Thursday, he played a major part this season.
Even at the grand old age of 37, his goalscoring talents have been there for all to see. Benzema has 21 in the league and is second in the standings, two behind a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet, if penalties are taken out of the equation, then the Ittihad star stays on 21 while Al-Nassr’s man has 16. Having such a consistent finisher makes a huge difference.
Playing deeper is Houssem Aouar. The French-born Algerian also contributed 12 goals, including a vital last-minute winner against Al-Nassr in early May that gave Ittihad’s chances a huge boost, and much more besides. Add the 13 assists from Moussa Diaby and the Jeddah giants had firepower few could match.

The Tigers roared back to shine in big games
Early in the campaign, Al-Ittihad lost 3-1 at Al-Hilal and were well beaten, going 3-0 down by the break. After finishing fifth the season before, a long way behind the champions, it looked as if Hilal were going to be too strong once again.
Yet it seemed to be exactly the result needed. From then, there was a resilience about the Jeddah giants and they never lost again to any of their title rivals. The King’s Cup victory over Al-Hilal in January, albeit on penalties, was a sign that they could beat the champions. Other powers were also dispatched. Six points were taken off Al-Nassr and Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli provided four. The big one was, however, that 4-1 win over Al-Hilal in February in front of an ecstatic home crowd. From that point on, Al-Ittihad looked like champions, while Al-Hilal did not.

Local talent provided the foundation
One lesson, not that it was really needed, from Al-Hilal’s title win last time around was that while foreign players have a huge part to play, any potential champion need a solid local contingent and Ittihad certainly had that this time around.
Abdulrahman Al-Oboud has come into his own, especially in the second half of the season providing goals, assists and generally making things happen. It was noticeable that in the 3-1 win at Al-Raed which clinched the title, the 29-year-old was everywhere.
Saleh Al-Shehri was more of a squad player and also in his first season but the experienced striker made a difference when needed especially with the only goal of October’s Jeddah Derby.
Further back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti has proven himself to be one of the best and certainly most consistent full-backs in Saudi Arabia while Hassan Kadesh has not only impressed for the national team, but been a huge presence in the middle of the defence.

Blanc and Kante bring calm among the storm
There is not just a strong French connection in attack but Laurent Blanc brought with him an air of calmness to the coaching hotseat after a tumultuous season last time with coaches. The former Lyon boss brings a pragmatic approach to get the best out of the players he has, rather than trying to impose a system regardless of what is available. Known in France for a defensive approach, there has certainly been an emphasis on stability at the back, but then, Ittihad have scored almost 2.5 goals per game.
It helps that there is an intelligent coach on the pitch in the shape of N’Golo Kante. The midfielder is simply world class and ensures that Ittihad not only have more of the ball but also use it well. The former Chelsea star also rises to the big occasion and was immense in the vital win over Al-Nassr in early May that virtually sealed the title.

Fans, schedule and the failings of others
Al-Ittihad have some of the best — many in Jeddah would say the best — fans in the country and Asia. Having an average attendance of around 40,000 is hugely impressive, and not many other teams on the continent even come close. That brings pressure but can also inspire, and it has certainly done that this season.
There have been other advantages. The relatively poor season last time around did provide some help as it meant no Champions League football. Title rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr had 10 or 11 extra games in Asia and that makes a huge difference. It gave Blanc time to train, rest and rotate.
And then, there is the fact that the other teams all dropped points. Al-Ittihad had their stumbles but this season their rivals did not take advantage with Al-Hilal — a winning machine last time around — unusually fallible. But teams still have to make use of the hand they are dealt, and Al-Ittihad certainly did that to become deserving champions.

Topics: Al-Ittihad Karim Benzema Al-Raed Saudi Pro League (SPL)

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Bayern’s Kompany wants focus on Hoffenheim before Sunday’s title party

Updated 16 May 2025
Reuters
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Bayern’s Kompany wants focus on Hoffenheim before Sunday’s title party

  • “Now I am only focused on the Hoffenheim game,” said Kompany
  • “That is the absolute priority and the preparation we are doing”
Updated 16 May 2025
Reuters

MUNICH: Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany’s focus is firmly on the last Bundesliga game of the season at Hoffenheim on Saturday and not the following day’s title party in the Bavarian capital, he said on Friday.

Bayern secured the Bundesliga title almost two weeks ago in Kompany’s first season in charge, but Saturday’s match could see the Bavarians go for the 100-goal mark this season. They have currently scored 95 league goals this term.

It will also likely mark the second straight top Bundesliga scorer title for Bayern striker Harry Kane in his first two seasons in Germany, with no Bundesliga player ever having managed that feat in their first two seasons.

Kane has netted 25 Bundesliga goals so far this season ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy with 20.

It is, however, a far more important game for the struggling hosts Hoffenheim, who are three points above the relegation playoff spot currently occupied by Heidenheim.

“For me the anticipation (for the title party in central Munich) is great because that was the goal; to bring the league trophy back to Munich,” Kompany told a press conference.

“But now I am only focused on the Hoffenheim game. That is the absolute priority and the preparation we are doing. We will enjoy what happens after that because we earned it.”

Last season Bayer Leverkusen won a domestic league and Cup double without defeat, snapping the Bavarians’ 11-year title run.

Bayern traditionally present the trophy from the balcony of Munich’s city Hall to thousands of cheering fans.

“I see every title as the first so that’s why I’m looking forward to it,” Belgian Kompany said.

The Bavarians will then go into a two-week break before the squad comes together in early June for the Club World Cup in the United States starting later that month.

Topics: Bayern Munich Vincent Kompany Bundesliga

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Motor racing-Piastri leads McLaren one-two in first Imola practice

Updated 16 May 2025
Reuters
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Motor racing-Piastri leads McLaren one-two in first Imola practice

  • Australian Piastri lapped the Imola circuit with a fastest time of one minute 16.545 seconds
  • Carlos Sainz was third on the timesheets for Williams
Updated 16 May 2025
Reuters

IMOLA, Italy: Formula One leader Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris in a McLaren one-two in first practice for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix that ended early on Friday after Gabriel Bortoleto crashed his Sauber.

Australian Piastri, winner of four of the last five races, lapped the Imola circuit with a fastest time of one minute 16.545 seconds on the softest tire compound with Norris 0.032 slower on a sunny afternoon.

Piastri leads Norris by 16 points after six races, with the 24-round season now starting its European phase after an opening run in Asia, the Middle East and United States.

The session was red-flagged and did not restart after Brazilian rookie Bortoleto crashed into the tire wall with some three minutes remaining. He stepped out unhurt.

Carlos Sainz was third on the timesheets for Williams, 0.052 off the pace, with Mercedes’ George Russell a further 0.002 slower.

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, limbering up for his first race in Italy as a Ferrari driver, was fifth and 0.096 off the pace.

Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine with Red Bull’s four times world champion Max Verstappen seventh, William’s Alex Albon eighth and Bortoleto ninth with team mate Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10.

“I can’t rely on the rear. It feels like I’m drifting everywhere,” complained Verstappen, last year’s winner at Imola, over the radio.

Mercedes’ 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli, the only Italian on the starting grid and preparing for his home debut, was 13th fastest.

Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto, making his debut for Alpine after replacing dropped Australian Jack Doohan, lapped 17th fastest.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was unwell on Thursday and skipped his media duties, was 12th and ran wide into the gravel at one point. He also complained that his helmet was lifting.

Topics: F1 Imola Oscar Piastri McLaren

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Jokic, Strawther star as Nuggets down Thunder to tie series

Updated 16 May 2025
AFP
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Jokic, Strawther star as Nuggets down Thunder to tie series

  • Serbian star Jokic was once again the anchor of a composed Denver performance, finishing with 29 points
Updated 16 May 2025
AFP

LOS ANGELES: Nikola Jokic scored 29 points and unheralded bench player Julian Strawther produced a crucial late burst of scoring as the Denver Nuggets scored a series-leveling 119-107 victory over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
A hardfought NBA Western Conference semifinal series will now go to a decisive game seven in Oklahoma City on Sunday after another ferocious duel between the two sides.
Serbian star Jokic was once again the anchor of a composed Denver performance, finishing with 29 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists to shepherd the Nuggets to victory.
Jamal Murray added 25 points while Christian Braun finished with 23. But arguably the most significant contribution came from the bench, with Strawther scoring 15 points.
Oklahoma City, leading 3-2 in the series, looked ready to clinch a series victory after surging into a 12-point lead late in the second quarter at Denver’s Ball Arena.
But Denver once again refused to roll over and rallied to trim the Thunder lead to 61-58 at the break.
There was little to choose between the teams for most of the third quarter, and with just under two minutes remaining in the frame, the score was level at 80-80.
Yet within moments Denver had suddenly opened a double-digit advantage after a 10-0 run that put the Nuggets into a 90-80 lead.
The scoring spree came from an unlikely source, with the 23-year-old Strawther, in only his second season in the league, suddenly finding his scoring range.
Strawther knocked down back-to-back three-pointers followed by a layup to rattle in eight of the 10 points in the Denver run.
With their noses in front, 2023 NBA champions ruthlessly kept a firm grip on the contest through the fourth quarter, keeping the Thunder safely at arms length to close out the win.

Topics: Denver Nuggets oklahoma city thunder Julian Strawther

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Back on the pitch: Pakistan Super League resumes after conflict-forced suspension

Updated 16 May 2025
AP
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Back on the pitch: Pakistan Super League resumes after conflict-forced suspension

  • The Indian Premier League, also suspended due to the outbreak between the countries, will also resume this weekend
  • PSL organizers first proposed moving the tournament to Dubai but later decided to postpone it after foreign players were reluctant to participate in the tournament due to security concerns
Updated 16 May 2025
AP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament resumes Saturday after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was achieved. There will be a handful of foreign players returning for the remaining eight games.

The Pakistan Super League was suspended on May 9 but last weekend Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire after talks to defuse their most serious military confrontation in decades.

The Indian Premier League, also suspended due to the outbreak between the countries, will also resume this weekend.

PSL organizers first proposed moving the tournament to Dubai but later decided to postpone it after foreign players were reluctant to participate in the tournament due to security concerns. Around 43 foreign cricketers — competing on six PSL teams — were flown out of Pakistan from an air base in Rawalpindi.

Rawalpindi will host the remaining four league matches between May 17-19 before Lahore hosts the playoffs from May 21, including the final at Qaddafi Stadium on May 25.

Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikander Raza is among some of foreign players who have returned to Pakistan. Raza, who plays for Lahore Qalandars, is available for Lahore’s crucial last league game against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday before he flies to England for test duty starting next week.

Raza will not be available for Lahore if the two-time champions qualify for the playoffs due to his test commitments.

He said that if the PSL resumed, he planned to return to Pakistan, even for just one match.

“I was very clear in my head that I was always going to go back,” Raza told The Associated Press as he trained with his teammates at Islamabad Club ground on Thursday.

“This PSL is not just about winning a trophy, there’s a lot more to it. All the overseas (players) that have come back, whether they’re in Pakistan or India, I think credit must be given to them because cricket unites and the whole purpose of sports all around the world is to unite cultures, countries.”

Lahore will also have Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for its must-win last league game against the Babar Azam-led Peshawar side after Tom Curran and Daryl Mitchel were ruled out due to injuries.

Raza said it was tough for the families of all the players living abroad after there was escalation at the borders.

“Whether it’s Pakistan or India, what happened was tough for everybody,” Raza said. “Sometimes when you’re on the ground, things may not be as bad, but (for) people back home watching TV, sometimes it’s very hard to control what media tells you.”

Lahore team director Sameen Rana said it was important that the PSL returns to finish the season.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty and the conditions which were happening on the ground was not the best, it’s unfortunate,” Rana said. “But from our perspective . . . the important thing is that the PSL is resuming, and that’s what matters.”

Defending champions Islamabad United has brought in Alex Hales of England and Rassie van Dussen of South Africa after initially picking both of them in the supplementary draft while Ben Dwarshuis of Australia is flying back to rejoin the team.

Islamabad, the three-time PSL champions, won five games in a row at the start of the season before four successive defeats.

Finn Allen of New Zealand and Rilee Rossouw of South Africa are rejoining first-place Quetta Gladiators, who have 13 points, three points ahead of Karachi and Islamabad.

Karachi is expecting to have its captain David Warner back from Australia in time to lead the team against Peshawar on Saturday.

Topics: Pakistan Super League

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