Al Riyadh fight back to draw level with Al Ettifaq before half-time

Al Riyadh recovered from a difficult start to go into half-time level at 1-1 with Al Ettifaq in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League, after Oko scored a stoppage-time equaliser.

The match is being covered live by FilGoal.com, with Egypt international Mahmoud Trezeguet named in Al Riyadh’s starting line-up only three days after completing his move to the club.

Al Ettifaq made the stronger start and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Moussa Dembele. The France striker met a cross from Alvaro Medran with a well-executed header to put the visitors ahead.

That goal came after an eventful opening period for Al Riyadh, who were reduced to 10 players in the seventh minute when Mauricio Abascal was sent off following a review by the video assistant referee.

The dismissal was confirmed after the referee went to the pitchside monitor, leaving Al Riyadh facing the remainder of the match with a numerical disadvantage.

A minute later, the Al Riyadh goalkeeper produced an impressive save from a free-kick to prevent Al Ettifaq from extending their lead.

Al Ettifaq continued to hold the advantage for much of the first half, but Al Riyadh remained within reach of an equaliser despite playing with 10 men.

Their reward arrived deep into added time. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Oko found the net to bring Al Riyadh back on to level terms and complete a dramatic turnaround before the interval.

The opening half therefore ended with Al Ettifaq having taken the lead through Dembele, while Al Riyadh responded through Oko despite Abascal’s early red card.

Trezeguet’s inclusion was one of the main talking points before kick-off, with the Egyptian international making his first appearance in Al Riyadh’s official starting XI just three days after joining the club.

The match forms part of the first round of the Saudi Pro League, and live updates are being provided throughout the contest.

At the break, Al Riyadh have overcome the early setback of playing a man down to restore parity, while Al Ettifaq will be disappointed not to have carried their advantage into the second half after taking the lead through Medran’s delivery and Dembele’s header.