Saudi Gazette report

KHOBAR — Al Qadsiah rediscovered their winning form after edging Al Shabab 3-2 in an entertaining Saudi Pro League clash on Wednesday.

Al Qadsiah took control early, with Italy striker Mateo Retegui opening the scoring in the 12th minute before Mexico international Julian Quinones doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.

Uruguay midfielder Nahitan Nandez added a third goal shortly before halftime to give the hosts a commanding lead.

Al Shabab mounted a second-half response, pulling one back through England midfielder Josh Brownhill in the 61st minute.

Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco reduced the deficit further with a stoppage-time penalty, but the late surge was not enough to deny Al Qadsiah all three points.

Speaking after the match, Al Qadsiah head coach Brendan Rodgers expressed his delight at securing his first victory with the club, insisting his side deserved the win.

“We played very well in the first half and controlled the game,” Rodgers said.

“We started the second half a little slowly, but Al Shabab’s reaction was expected.”

Rodgers praised his players’ fighting spirit, adding that his team could have scored more goals given the number of chances created.

“We played with our ideas today,” he said. “You can see the strength in our style of play, the chances we created, and the mentality of the players. We will keep learning and improving in the matches ahead.”