Al-Shabab's 2-3 defeat against Qadsiah at the SHG Arena on New Year's Eve wasn't just a loss; it was a damning verdict on their season thus far. Despite bossing possession with 62% of the ball and more than double the passes of their visitors (538 vs 323), Imanol Alguacil's men once again found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline. The numbers tell a story, but more importantly, they expose a fundamental flaw: Al-Shabab doesn't have a problem keeping the ball, they have a problem knowing what to do with it when they have it, or perhaps, a problem believing they can win even when they control the game's tempo.

Possession That Yields Nothing

The stark reality is that controlling possession is meaningless without offensive penetration. Al-Shabab's 14 shots, while more than Qadsiah's 11, yielded only 6 on target. Furthermore, 3 of those were blocked, leaving a meager 3 finding their way to the goalkeeper. This inefficiency is highlighted by the fact that their goals came from two distinct moments: a well-taken penalty by Yannick Carrasco in the dying minutes and a strike from Josh Brownhill which, while bringing them back into the game, ultimately proved insufficient. The side from Riyadh was too reliant on individual moments rather than a cohesive attacking strategy.

Qadsiah's Clinical Edge

Qadsiah, on the other hand, showcased a clinical efficiency that Al-Shabab desperately lacks. Brendan Rodgers’ side may have ceded control of the ball, but they made their limited opportunities count. Mateo Retegui opened the scoring early, and Julián Quiñones converted a penalty before Nahitan Nández added a third. Even with Al-Shabab fighting back, Qadsiah's early lead, built on effective finishing, proved insurmountable. Their 6 shots on target from 11 attempts demonstrate a far more direct and effective approach in front of goal.

Nández and Quiñones: A Double-Edged Sword

The match data reveals a curious pattern in Qadsiah's goalscorers. Mateo Retegui, Julián Quiñones, and Nahitan Nández were all on the score sheet for the visitors. Notably, Retegui and Quiñones featured prominently in the player stats, with Quiñones even registering an assist for Retegui's opener. This suggests a dynamic attacking threat from Qadsiah that Al-Shabab struggled to contain, despite their territorial advantage. The fact that Al-Shabab's own key performers, like Julián Quiñones and Mateo Retegui, ended up on the wrong side of the scoresheet, playing for the opposing team in this instance, adds another layer of irony to the defeat.

A Crisis of Confidence

Ultimately, Al-Shabab's struggle with possession is a symptom of a deeper issue. When a team dominates the ball but cannot convert that dominance into clear-cut chances or goals, it speaks volumes about their attacking strategy and their mental fortitude. The 2-3 scoreline, coming after a penalty in the 90th minute, suggests a team that fights but lacks the consistent quality and belief to see games out. Al-Shabab had enough of the ball, enough territory, and even enough shots. They simply failed to translate any of it into a winning performance. The verdict is clear: Al-Shabab needs more than possession; they need a purpose.