Al Taawoun snatched three crucial points against Al Fateh in a breathless 3-2 encounter at Alinma Stadium, a result that felt less like a triumph of control and more like a narrow escape from a self-inflicted crisis. While the scoreboard declared victory, the narrative of this Matchday 25 clash was a stark verdict on Al Taawoun's Jekyll-and-Hyde performance: moments of brilliant attacking fluidity followed by periods of alarming defensive fragility.

For much of the match, Pericles Chamusca's men appeared destined for a comfortable win. They controlled the tempo, dominating possession with 56% and unleashing a relentless assault on Al Fateh's goal. Their 14 shots, with seven finding the target, painted a picture of offensive intent that Roger Martínez capitalised on, converting a penalty on the stroke of halftime to give Al Taawoun a deserved lead as the whistle blew for the interval.

The second half began with similar impetus. An unfortunate own goal in the 59th minute, followed swiftly by Roger Martínez's second goal just four minutes later – a testament to Mohammed Mahzari's vision – seemingly put the game to bed at 3-0. Martínez, rightfully crowned MVP with a perfect 10.0 rating for his brace, was at the heart of everything positive for Al Taawoun. Teammate Wesley Delgado also shone, providing two assists and winning nine duels, showcasing his dual impact.

However, football is a game of shifting sands, and Al Taawoun's seemingly unassailable lead began to crumble with startling speed. Despite facing fewer shots and holding less possession, Al Fateh refused to surrender. They displayed a grit that belied their statistical disadvantage, winning an impressive percentage of their defensive duels and tackles as they sought a route back into the game.

Jefferson Ramos, coming off the bench, ignited Al Fateh's comeback with a goal in the 68th minute, catching Al Taawoun's defence off guard. The atmosphere at Alinma Stadium, which had been celebratory moments earlier, suddenly tensed. The final whistle couldn't come soon enough for the home side, especially after Ali Al Masoud, another substitute for Al Fateh, found the net in the 90th minute, reducing the deficit to a single, terrifying goal. The final minutes were a frantic scramble, a testament to Al Fateh's belief and Al Taawoun's near-catastrophic loss of composure.

The verdict is clear: Al Taawoun possesses the firepower to dismantle opponents, evident in Martínez's clinical finishing and Mahzari's creative spark. Yet, their alarming tendency to switch off when seemingly in control poses a serious question mark over their credentials as the league enters its critical final nine rounds. Against stronger opposition, such a late surrender of a three-goal lead could prove fatal. This victory, while precious, serves as a stark reminder that true champions not only build leads but also ruthlessly protect them. What lessons will Pericles Chamusca draw from this chaotic triumph?