MW27 Talking Points: Hero Al Hamdan, Inzaghi dilemma, Derby revenge
MW27 Talking Points: Hero Al Hamdan, Inzaghi dilemma, Derby revenge With only seven matches remaining in the Roshn Saudi League season, the stakes seem to matter just that little bit more - and that was certainly the case in Matchweek 27. While some title contenders stamped their claim, others faltered. At the other end of the table, there were valuable points gained in the battle to avoid relegation .
The toing and froing of every round is only adding to the drama of this campaign and, with time fast running out, there is still so much up in the air. So, here are this week’s talking points. Al Hamdan unlikely Al Nassr hero Sometimes it's about being in the right place at the right time, and that is certainly the case for Abdullah Al Hamdan in 2026.
The 26-year-old is something of an RSL veteran, this being his 10th season, but having made the switch across Riyadh from Al Hilal to Al Nassr in the winter window , few would’ve expected he’d play such a significant role in their push for the title. With injuries hampering Jorge Jesus’ side in recent weeks, Al Hamdan has been called upon to fill the void. He has duly obliged, with three goals and an assist - the latest contribution the initial equaliser in table-toppers Al Nassr's 5-2 triumph at home to Al Najmah .
Is the Saudi Arabia international, with a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind , something of a secret weapon as Al Nassr chase a first top-flight trophy in eight years? -------- Al Ettifaq exact Derby revenge Mathematically, Al Qadsiah remain in the race, but there’s no doubt the nail-biting 3-2 defeat at Al Ettifaq has dented their title hopes. With 21 points still up for grabs, they’re 10 off the summit.
That their 17-match undefeated streak under Brendan Rodgers came to an end at the hands of their local rivals will only sting that little bit more. However, for Al Ettifaq, the derby victory will have gone some way to avenging that heavy 4-0 reverse in the corresponding fixture in February . It comes, too, with the bonus of boosting the club’s push for an impressive top-five finish.
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