5 talking points from round 2 of Saudi Pro League season

RIYADH: The first major showdown of the SPL season took place on matchday 2, with Al-Qadsiah falling to Al-Ittihad at home in Dammam. What did we learn from the second matchday?

Brendan Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah lack killer touch

It has been widely discussed in Saudi football circles — Al-Qadsiah are this season’s dark horses and, with Rodgers having a full summer of preparation behind him, this could be the year they break the traditional big four’s dominance.

However, a first home loss in 587 days to 10-man Al-Ittihad quickly put paid to talk of the knights of the Eastern Province being genuine title contenders. While they had four goals ruled out for offside, even the introduction of Tijjani Reijnders in the 57th minute did little to break down a resilient Al-Ittihad.

With the league’s top scorer in Julian Quinones and a talented team around him, the lack of a killer touch should be the least of Al-Qadsiah's worries — and yet, here we are.

Al-Ittihad’s spirit remains alive

After a 1-1 draw with Al-Kholood in their opening fixture, few expected Al-Ittihad to beat Al-Qadsiah — which is a surprising statement in itself. Yet despite winning the league two seasons ago, the Tigers have been on a downward trajectory, and new signings have yet to fully impress.

One of those is Dion Lopy, who was sent off for the second time in two games.

But the victory against Al-Qadsiah  — secured through George Ilenikhena’s powerful strike on the stroke of halftime — has largely been attributed to the indomitable spirit of Al-Ittihad, which never seems to die, no matter how far they fall. Credit must also go to head coach Jens Wissing, who effectively neutralized Al-Qadsiah’s star-studded attack to claim a significant win.

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