There are matches that simply deliver a result, and then there are those that etch themselves into memory, not just for the final score but for the sheer audacity of their swings. Thursday’s 4-3 victory for Al-Ettifaq over Al-Najma at Al-Najma Club Stadium was precisely the latter. It was a game of two stark halves, a contest defined by the moment everything shifted, transforming a routine rout into a nail-biting survival mission.

Al-Ettifaq's Command Performance: Before the Brink

For nearly an hour, Al-Ettifaq looked utterly dominant, clinical in their execution. An own goal in the 27th minute provided an early lead, a stroke of fortune that quickly morphed into a tidal wave of attacking prowess. Moussa Dembélé doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, assisted by the influential Georginio Wijnaldum, who would go on to provide two assists on the night. Just three minutes later, Francisco Calvo added a third, leaving Al-Najma reeling.

Calvo wasn't finished, completing his brace in the 59th minute, again with Wijnaldum pulling the strings. At 4-0, Al-Ettifaq appeared to be cruising, firmly in control. They had been more incisive with their attacks, managing 8 shots on target to Al-Najma's 5, despite their opponents seeing slightly more of the ball with 52% possession. Defensive midfielder Deybi Flores contributed significantly to their early solidity, orchestrating play with 75 passes at 92% accuracy while also winning 7 duels.

The Cracks Appear: A Turning Point at 70 Minutes

Then, something intangible began to shift. Perhaps it was a relaxation of focus from Al-Ettifaq, or a surge of desperate energy from Al-Najma, but the dam finally broke. In the 72nd minute, substitute Rakan Al-Tulayhi, on the pitch for less than twenty minutes, ignited the comeback with Al-Najma's first goal. Just sixty seconds later, Ali Jasim found the net, suddenly shrinking the imposing four-goal deficit to a far more manageable 4-2.

The numbers reveal a relentless drive from Al-Najma, even when trailing heavily. They consistently won more duels, securing 43 total duels won (59%) compared to Al-Ettifaq's 30 (41%). This tenacious ground game, combined with their willingness to press, as evidenced by 18 tackles, suggested a team refusing to surrender, even as the scoreline seemed to dictate otherwise. Al-Ettifaq, on the other hand, committed 14 fouls, a tell-tale sign of a team struggling to contain their opponents' renewed vigour.

The Desperate Final Act: Al-Najma's Resurgence

With only minutes remaining, the impossible seemed within reach. Lázaro converted a penalty in the 87th minute, bringing the score to a stunning 4-3. The Al-Najma Club Stadium erupted, sensing what would have been one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory. The home side, despite conceding four goals, had tested Al-Ettifaq's goalkeeper five times, a testament to their perseverance.

Al-Ettifaq, having looked so assured, found themselves clinging to a single-goal lead in the dying moments. Their goalkeeper had made only two saves throughout the entire match, suggesting a defensive line that buckled under pressure in the final quarter. The initial efficiency of Calvo and Dembélé, coupled with Wijnaldum's creative brilliance, had saved them, but the ease with which Al-Najma sliced through their seemingly impenetrable lead will undoubtedly be a cause for concern for manager Saad Ali Al Shehri.

The Lingering Question

Al-Ettifaq ultimately secured the three points, but the taste of victory must surely be mingled with the bitter tang of a near-collapse. For Al-Najma, it's a defeat, yet one that showcased immense character and a spirit that refuses to die. The question now hangs heavy: how can a team as potent as Al-Ettifaq allow such a dramatic turning point, and what does this resilience from Al-Najma portend for their future fixtures?