So here we are live casting our first Saudi Pro League game. 11 minutes in, there is no score. Early impressions are all positive and so far, I would say the talent level is noticeably higher than the MLS.
Al Nassr is a 9 time champion and perennial contender. Al Taawoun, by comparison, is not one of the top 4 teams but this year is the one team outside the quadrumvirate that is expected to compete for the championship.
And in the 20th minute, a GOAL by AL TAAWOUN!
After one game, Al Nassr has one loss and Al Taawoun has one draw.
Players of note on Al Nassr include Ronaldo and Sadio Mane while Al Taawoun has no big European names. In this game so far, Ronaldo has made a nice step over which resulted in a long, low drive from well outside the box, ably handled by the keeper. Other than that he has been anchored deep in the middle of the Al Taawoun box, content to wait for the right cross versus helping to create an opportunity. Mane has had several touches but hasn’t looked good at all. He still has some speed, but he’s not using it to good effect.
And just near the end of the 8 minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Al Taawoun has been called for a penalty. Going to VAR now…no penalty. Good call, it was obvious the defender got to the ball first.
At the end of the first half, it was a solid half and the level of talent would embarrass a large number of European clubs. Al Nassr had more opportunities and certainly controlled the ball for long stretches, but their defense looked weak. Al Taawoun had too many onside chances.
Ten minutes into the 2nd half and Al Nassr is still dominating possession but has been unable to score.
While we can’t see the entire stadium, what we can see is filled, well attended. There is nothing about this game that would suggest this wasn’t in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues. Al Nassr is pressing but so far, Al Taawoun has not broken. They’ve played brilliant defense and every once in a while they get a good opportunity on the counter attack.
With 10 minutes remaining in regular time, it remains 1-0 for Al Taawoun. Jim just mentioned that even though it’s been a low scoring affair, it has indeed been entertaining. It’s one of the reasons I love to see the underdog get a goal or two on the favorite. These always seem to be good games.
There is much action in the Al Taawoun box now, Al Nassr is pressing hard. So many shots, so close, but Al Taawoun is hanging on.
Ronaldo off the post! But it was offside – although VAR might have overturned that – it was close.
9 minutes of added time! Al Nassr really doesn’t want to start the season with 2 defeats, that’s clear in the effort they are putting in now. But suddenly, off a turnover, Al Taawoun has made it 2 – nil with 3 minutes remaining! Unfortunately for the home crowd, Al Nassr is not coming back from this. Questions will be asked; a team like Al Nassr isn’t supposed to lose it’s first 2 games.
Overall, this has been a fun and exciting game with an unexpected result. Will I watch more SPL? Yes. Will I recommend it to my friends? Yes.