The final scoreline of 2-1 might suggest a closely contested affair, but the cold, hard numbers deliver a different verdict: Al-Fateh's attack, despite its moments of profligacy, is a force that simply cannot be contained over 90 minutes. Against Al-Okhdood at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, Jose Manuel Gomes’ men showed an unyielding desire to dominate, turning pressure into eventual triumph.

From the first whistle, Al-Fateh established a relentless offensive rhythm, unleashing an astonishing 26 shots on goal. To put that in perspective, more than half of those, 14 to be exact, originated from inside the opposition's penalty area. This wasn't merely speculative shooting; 11 of these attempts found their way towards the target, a testament to the sheer volume and intent behind Al-Fateh’s attacking waves.

The Wall That Eventually Crumbled

For large portions of the match, Al-Okhdood's defensive setup, marshaled by manager Marius Șumudică, performed heroically. Their goalkeeper was forced into making 9 saves, each one momentarily deflecting the inevitable. While Al-Fateh edged possession with 51%, the true story was the disparity in offensive output that Al-Okhdood struggled to mitigate. They managed only 10 shots in total, with just 3 hitting the target, making their late goal feel more like a statistical anomaly than a shift in momentum.

The defensive discipline shown by Al-Okhdood, particularly in their 21 clearances, kept them in the game longer than the underlying statistics might suggest. They defended their box with tenacity, but even the most well-drilled unit finds it near impossible to withstand such sustained bombardment without eventually cracking.

Individual Brilliance, Inevitable Breakthrough

The breakthrough for Al-Fateh arrived in the 55th minute, when the ever-influential Mourad Batna calmly converted a penalty. Batna, with a game-high rating of 9.1, was the conductor of Al-Fateh's orchestra, creating 4 key passes and proving a constant menace. His goal was the release valve for mounting pressure, but the work wasn't finished.

It took until the 85th minute for Sofiane Bendebka to double Al-Fateh's lead. Bendebka, who notched a formidable 8.8 rating, exemplified the relentless effort, winning all 6 of his attempted duels and contributing 3 key passes himself. His goal felt like the just reward for a team that refused to settle for a narrow lead despite having already been dispossessed a mere 5 times compared to Al-Okhdood's 13, highlighting their superior ball retention.

A Statement of Intent

Jorge Fernandes pulled one back for Al-Okhdood in the 90th minute, a consolation goal that scarcely altered the narrative. This was Al-Fateh's match, a testament to their offensive power and ability to grind down even the most stubborn resistance. The verdict is clear: when Al-Fateh clicks into gear, they are a formidable opponent, capable of creating chances from every angle and eventually finding the decisive touch. The challenge now for Gomes is to ensure this level of attacking volume consistently translates into emphatic victories, leaving no doubt about their dominance.