Al-Qadsiah denied top spot after dramatic 3-3 draw with Al-Ettifaq

Al-Qadsiah missed the chance to move top of the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ettifaq staged two comebacks in a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Eastern Province derby in Dammam.

Brendan Rodgers’ side made a flying start, using the pace and counter-attacking threat that have become a feature of their football. They took the lead in the 12th minute when right-back Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat surged forward and delivered for Julian Quinones, who finished expertly.

The goal came only three minutes after the match had begun to open up, and Al-Qadsiah quickly doubled their advantage. Ghanaian forward Bounso Bah led another counter-attack before finding Matteo Retegui inside the penalty area, with the Italy international scoring in the 15th minute.

The home support responded with chants of “The Dammam storm is blowing” as Al-Qadsiah appeared to be in control.

Abu Al-Shamat’s contribution has been particularly notable. Despite playing at right-back, he has now recorded six goal contributions in seven matches, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Quinones has four goal contributions, including three goals and one assist, while Retegui has scored six times in eight matches across all competitions.

Al-Ettifaq, known as the Knights of Ad-Dahna, refused to allow the contest to end there. In the 26th minute, a move which began with the Ivorian Abdullah was continued by a clever touch from N’Golo Kante. The ball reached Bersant Celina, who reduced the deficit with a composed finish.

That goal shifted the momentum, and Al-Ettifaq continued to apply pressure after the interval. Their reward came in the 64th minute when Alvaro Medran levelled the score with a powerful strike.

The equaliser sparked scenes of wild celebration among the green-clad supporters, with the commentator declaring: “The knight has returned to you and is still in the saddle.”

Al-Qadsiah regained the lead nine minutes from time through substitute Mohammed Al-Qahtani, who appeared to have settled the contest for the side from Khobar.

Al-Ettifaq responded almost immediately, however. Sweden international Jordan Larsson scored in the 85th minute to complete the visitors’ comeback and secure a share of the points in a remarkable derby.

The result leaves Al-Qadsiah second with 16 points from seven matches, having won five, drawn one and lost one. They have scored 16 goals and conceded eight. They trail leaders Al-Ittihad by one point, while Al-Hilal are third on 15 points from six games.

Al-Ettifaq move to 11 points and remain seventh, having demonstrated considerable resilience against one of the league’s strongest sides this season.