In the last match scheduled for today and valid for the 16th round of the Saudi Pro League, Al Ahli managed to win 2-1 over Al-Ettifaq. Gabri Veiga opened the scoring in the 30th minute of play, then former Liverpool player ‘Bobby’ Firmino doubled the lead in the 63rd.
In the final stoppage time, former PSG player Georginio Wijnaldum closed the gap, but it was to no avail. Thanks to this victory, Al-Ahli is in fifth place in the table, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Stefano Pioli’s Al Nassr fully tied at 29 points. Of note is the use of Kessié, formerly of Milan, as a left-sided centre-back rather than a midfielder protecting in front of the defence.
Result
Al Ettifaq – Al Ahli 1-2
Veiga 30′, Firmino 63′; Wijnaldum 90’+1
The complete program
Monday 20 January
Al Fayha – Al Kholood 1-0
Al Raed – Al Okhdood 0-2
Al Ettifaq – Al Ahli 1-2
Tuesday 21 January
Al Khaleej – Al Nassr
Al Riyadh – Al Taawoun
Al Hilal – Al Wehda
Wednesday 22 January
Al Orobah – Al Qadsiah
Al Fateh – Damac
Al Ittihad – Al Shabab
CLASSIFICATION
Al Hilal 40 points
Al Ittihad 40
Al Qadsiah 31
Al Nassr 29
Al Ahli 29 *
Al Shabab 26
Al Khaleej 23
Al Taawoun 22
Al Riyadh 22
Damac 18
Al Ettifaq 18 *
Al Kholood 16 *
Al Okhdood 15 *
Al Fayha 15 *
Al Raed 14 *
Al Orobah 13
Al Wehda 12
Al Fateh 6
*one more day