Lacazette Strike Lifts NEOM to Vital Victory Over Struggling Al Riyadh
NEOM secured a crucial 1-0 victory over bottom-dwelling Al Riyadh at King Khalid Sport City Stadium in Tabuk, with Alexandre Lacazette’s second-half strike proving decisive in a match that highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both sides.
The French striker’s 55th-minute goal was the difference between two teams separated by eight places in the Pro League table, as NEOM consolidated their mid-table position whilst Al Riyadh’s relegation fears deepened further.
Despite controlling possession with 62% of the ball, NEOM struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances during a goalless first half. The hosts managed just two shots on target compared to Al Riyadh’s six, though the visitors’ efforts lacked the quality to trouble NEOM’s defence significantly.
The breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes after the restart when Lacazette found the net with what proved to be NEOM’s most clinical moment of the afternoon. The goal reflected the home side’s superior passing accuracy, with NEOM completing 89% of their 538 passes compared to Al Riyadh’s 80% success rate from 319 attempts.
Al Riyadh’s afternoon became increasingly frustrating as the match wore on, with manager making three substitutions in the 73rd minute in a desperate attempt to find an equaliser. The visitors’ indiscipline proved costly, accumulating five yellow cards including bookings for goalkeeper Milan Borjan and defender A. Al Harfi in stoppage time.
NEOM’s victory extends their unbeaten run and moves them to 31 points from 21 matches, maintaining their position in eighth place. For Al Riyadh, the defeat represents another damaging blow in their fight against relegation, with just 12 points from 20 games and a concerning goal difference of -22.
The three points provide valuable breathing space for NEOM in the middle of the table, whilst Al Riyadh’s miserable form continues with five consecutive defeats across all competitions.
