To Al-Riyadh, and specifically to your defensive unit: we watched the match at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, and we have questions. Not just about the four goals conceded, but about the systemic breakdown that allowed Al-Qadsiah to assert such dominance. You arrived with intentions, with a game plan, but the reality on the pitch was starkly different. Let's talk about what the numbers reveal from your perspective.

Possession Tells a Story, But Not Yours

You held the ball for just 38% of the match, a clear indicator of being on the back foot. While possession isn't everything, it often dictates control. Your 355 passes, a mere fraction of Al-Qadsiah's 596, meant fewer opportunities to build attacks and impose your rhythm. This wasn't just about being outplayed; it was about being unable to establish a foothold in the game. Your 20 fouls suggest a struggle to contain Al-Qadsiah's dynamic movement, a constant battle to regain possession that you consistently lost.

A Defensive Wall That Wasn't

Let's talk about the back line. Al-Qadsiah managed 15 shots, with 7 on target, a testament to their attacking threat. You allowed them 10 shots from inside the box, indicating a failure to prevent them from getting into dangerous positions. The 2 clearances by your defenders suggest they were often bypassed or beaten. More telling is the duel success rate; you won only 44 duels out of 91 contested, a shade under 47%. This lack of individual success in duels translates directly to the space Al-Qadsiah players found and exploited.

"You conceded 4 goals without reply, but the underlying numbers suggest the problems began long before the scoreline became insurmountable."

The midfield battle, lost

Your midfield's contribution was muted. With only 54 recoveries compared to Al-Qadsiah's 57, and a stark contrast in key passes generated (your players managed few, while Al-Juwayr alone created 5), the transition from defense to attack was severely hampered. The opponent's midfielders were able to dictate play, recycle possession, and launch attacks with relative ease. Your ability to win ground duels was marginally better, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide. The 20 tackles you attempted, while showing effort, were matched by Al-Qadsiah's 12, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach.

Individual Errors and Collective Collapse

While we highlight Musab Al Juwayr's incredible two assists and Julian Quiñones' early opener, it’s important to note that these moments often arise from defensive lapses. The first goal, a tap-in from Quiñones assisted by Al Juwayr within the first minute, is a particularly concerning start for any defense. The penalty awarded to Mateo Retegui further emphasizes the pressure your backline was under. By the time Turki Al-Ammar sealed the victory in the 90th minute, again assisted by Al Juwayr, the game was long gone, but the narrative of your defensive struggles was already written.

Al-Riyadh, the 4-0 scoreline is a harsh reflection, but it's one the statistics from Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium support. The challenge now is to analyze what went wrong, not just in the goals conceded, but in the fundamental ability to compete for possession, win duels, and deny space. The journey continues, but lessons must be learned from this encounter.