Dear Al-Qadsiah,

We watched. We saw the fight, the spirit, the moments of brilliance that brought you level and then put you ahead. Playing against the league leaders, Al-Hilal, at home and earning a 2-2 draw is, on paper, a result to build upon. But as we sift through the data from Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, a familiar, frustrating narrative emerges: a failure to close out a game you deserved to win.

A Tale of Two Halves, One Recurring Flaw

Let's talk about that late equalizer. Mohammed Al-Qahtani's goal in the 90th minute, assisted by C. Baah, was a dagger to the heart. It wasn't just a moment of Al-Hilal's resilience; it was a stark illustration of your own vulnerability. You led 2-1 with mere minutes left on the clock, yet you conceded. This isn't an isolated incident; it's a pattern that’s costing you precious points.

Consider the sheer volume of offensive pressure Al-Hilal exerted. They registered 19 shots to your 7, and 6 of those found the target compared to your 3. While possession tells only part of the story – Al-Hilal dominated with 56% – it highlights the sustained pressure you were under. You weathered much of it, thanks to a commendable 4 saves from Bono, but ultimately, the dam broke.

The Midfield Engine That sputtered

You were clinical in your finishing when chances came. Rúben Neves opened the scoring for Al-Hilal early on, but Al-Qadsiah responded swiftly. Nahitan Nández equalized in the 10th minute, and Julián Quiñones put you ahead in the 76th. Two goals, both coming from inside the box, showcasing efficiency. However, the midfield battle was statistically skewed. Al-Hilal won significantly more duels (45 to 34) and tackles (17 to 8). While Musab Al Juwayr provided two crucial assists, the overall control in the middle of the park seemed to wane as the match wore on.

This lack of sustained control is where games are won and lost. When you have a lead late in the match, the objective shifts. It’s not about out-Possessing your opponent; it's about denying them clear opportunities and managing the game’s tempo. Your 17 fouls and 3 yellow cards suggest a team that was often reacting, rather than dictating, in defensive situations.

Defensive Resolve Tested

The defensive numbers paint a picture of a team under siege, but also one that fought hard. You made 36 clearances compared to Al-Hilal's 16, indicating a willingness to put bodies on the line. Yet, the quality of chances conceded late in the game is the real concern. Al-Hilal managed 8 shots from inside the box, highlighting how often they managed to penetrate your defensive structure. While Nacho Fernández was solid with 2 interceptions, the collective unit couldn't hold the line for the final whistle.

You need to ask yourselves: were the late substitutions tactical, or did they disrupt the team's defensive shape? Was there a communication breakdown in the dying moments? These are the questions Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly be asking.

A Persistent Issue

This 2-2 draw against Al-Hilal isn't a crisis, but it’s a flashing warning sign. You have the talent to score goals, as evidenced by your scorers. You have the goalkeeping prowess, with Bono’s standout performance. But the ability to manage a lead, to shut down an opponent when it matters most, is a critical deficiency. It’s the difference between a respectable draw against the league leaders and a hard-fought victory that propels you up the table. For Al-Qadsiah, the challenge remains: how to turn promising performances into conclusive wins.