Al Qadsiah emerged victorious in the Eastern Derby against Al Ettifaq with a 2-0 win, as part of the Roshn Saudi League Derby Week. The goals from Julian Quinones and Gaston Alvarez secured the much-needed victory for Al Qadsiah, placing them in fifth position in the league standings. The match saw Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard opt for a defensive formation to contain Al Qadsiah’s offensive threats, but it was not enough to stop their opponents.
Despite Al Ettifaq’s efforts to keep a clean sheet, Gaston Alvarez found the back of the net early in the game after Nahitan Nandez’s strike rebounded to him. A VAR check confirmed no offside, giving Al Qadsiah the lead within just 12 minutes. Al Ettifaq tried to equalize before the half-hour mark, with Karl Toko Ekambi’s shot saved by Al Qadsiah’s goalkeeper, Koen Casteels. The follow-up attempt by Radhi Al Otaibi was also denied, leaving Al Qadsiah in the lead.
In the second half, Al Qadsiah extended their lead with Quinones scoring a goal after outmaneuvering defender Abdullah Madu. Mohammed Abu Al Shamat provided the cross for Quinones to convert, sealing the 2-0 victory for Al Qadsiah. The win lifted Al Qadsiah to fifth place in the league standings, positioning them just two points behind fourth-placed Al Shabab and three points off third-placed Al Nassr. Al Ettifaq’s struggles continued as they suffered their fourth defeat in six games and dropped to 11th place.
The Eastern Derby victory marked a successful return for Al Qadsiah, who had been without a win since Matchweek 3. The team’s performance showcased their ability to overcome challenges and secure important victories in crucial matches. With Quinones and Alvarez delivering the goals, Al Qadsiah demonstrated their offensive prowess and determination to climb up the league standings. The win also highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, positioning them as contenders in the competitive Roshn Saudi League.
Al Ettifaq’s defeat highlighted their ongoing struggles in the league, as they faced challenges in both defense and offense against Al Qadsiah. Manager Steven Gerrard’s decision to adopt a defensive formation did not yield the desired results, as Al Qadsiah’s attacking threats proved to be too strong for their defense. The team will need to regroup and refocus in order to turn their season around and climb up the league standings. With improvements in both their defensive and offensive strategies, Al Ettifaq can work towards achieving better results in future matches and securing important points in the league.
