This is not a defeat to be ashamed of. Al-Hazem fought, they clawed, and they nearly salvaged a point against a Neom side that, for large parts of this game, looked destined to cruise to victory. But the stark reality, etched onto the scoreboard at the Al-Hazem Club Stadium, is that they lost. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 defeat, a result that, while containing moments of grit and late resilience, ultimately underscores a recurring narrative for this team: a failure to convert dominance into decisive results.

For 59 minutes, Neom held Al-Hazem at bay. They were clinical when their chance came, with Alexandre Lacazette finding the net. The scoreline was a true reflection of the game's ebb and flow until that point. Al-Hazem had, by various metrics, enjoyed the better of the exchanges. They held 53% possession and completed 306 accurate passes to Neom's 254. Their 12 shots, while only yielding one on target, indicated an intent to probe, to break down the visitors. However, the danger lurked, and Neom's ability to strike with precision meant Al-Hazem were chasing the game.

The Cost of Hesitation

The first goal conceded was a body blow, but the team, to their credit, didn't fold. They continued to push, and the numbers show an increased urgency. Al-Hazem registered 8 shots from inside the box compared to Neom's 8, and 3 from outside the box to Neom's 2. Yet, the difference lay in execution. Neom's 5 shots on target found the net twice, while Al-Hazem's solitary shot on target prior to the penalty was, inexplicably, not a goal. This is where the verdict is delivered: Al-Hazem possesses the intent, they generate the opportunities, but the crucial final touch, the clinical finish, remains elusive for large stretches of games.

The attacking statistics paint a picture of a team that is trying, but failing to break through. Despite having more passes (390 vs 342) and controlling possession, their ability to convert those sequences into clear-cut chances that trouble the opposition goalkeeper is questionable. Only one of their 12 shots found the target, a statistic that demands urgent attention from manager Jalel Kadri.

A Glimmer of Hope, a Familiar Ending

The final act of this match provided a microcosm of Al-Hazem's season. Down and seemingly out, they rallied. Luciano Rodríguez struck in the 88th minute, bringing them level and igniting hope within the stadium. This late surge, culminating in a penalty converted by Amir Saâyoud in the 90th minute, showcased a fighting spirit that is commendable. Saâyoud, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact, showcasing the depth and potential impact players can have when given the opportunity.

However, the agony of defeat was compounded by the timing. Neom's second goal, scored by Luciano Rodríguez in the 88th minute, proved to be the winner, a testament to their own efficiency. It was a cruel twist of fate for Al-Hazem, who had fought back so valiantly. The late penalty felt like a point salvaged, but it was ultimately insufficient.

The defensive statistics also offer some intrigue. Neom managed 10 tackles with a 63% success rate, suggesting they were effective in disrupting Al-Hazem's play when it mattered. Conversely, Al-Hazem's 10 tackles with a 40% success rate indicate a struggle to win the ball back cleanly in midfield. This is an area where Christophe Galtier’s side seemed to have an edge, their ability to disrupt rather than purely possess.

The verdict is clear: Al-Hazem possesses a fighting spirit and the ability to create chances. They showed they can score, even from the penalty spot. But their inability to consistently convert possession and chances into goals, particularly from open play, is their undoing. The late drama, while exciting, masks the underlying issue of offensive inefficiency that must be addressed if they are to climb the table.