The highly anticipated matchday 30 clash of the Saudi Pro League took place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, as Al-Fateh hosted Al-Shabab at the Al Fateh Club Stadium in Al-Hofuf. This encounter was crucial for both teams, with Al-Fateh fighting for survival in the league and Al-Shabab aiming to secure a Champions League spot.
Al-Fateh entered the match with some momentum, having gone unbeaten in their last five outings, which included three victories. Their recent form was highlighted by a 2-2 draw against Al-Riyadh, where they showed resilience despite defensive vulnerabilities. With a record of 37 goals scored and 53 conceded overall, Al-Fateh has struggled to maintain a solid defense throughout the season. However, they managed to capitalize on home advantage, securing five wins out of 14 home games.
On the other hand, Al-Shabab came into the match with confidence, sitting sixth in the league table and just nine points off third place. They had also demonstrated consistency in their last five matches, with three wins and two draws, including a recent 2-2 draw against Al-Hilal. Their away form has been commendable as well, with six wins out of 14 away matches, indicating their capability to compete in any setting.
The match kicked off at 23:30 IST, and both teams looked eager to secure the three points. Al-Fateh's lineup featured key players like Sofiane Bendebka, who had scored nine goals in 28 matches this season, and was coming off a crucial goal in the previous game. Meanwhile, Al-Shabab relied heavily on their star forward Abderrazak Hamdallah, who led the scoring charts with 19 goals in 24 matches. His performance was vital as he aimed to maintain his position in the Golden Boot race against Cristiano Ronaldo.
As the game progressed, both teams showcased their attacking prowess. The previous encounters between the two sides had seen both teams score, and the trend continued. The odds favored Al-Shabab slightly, with bookmakers rating their chances of winning at 2.08. However, many analysts predicted a high-scoring game, with bets on "Total over 3.0 goals" being offered at attractive odds of 1.65.
Historically, Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab have faced each other 34 times, with Al-Fateh winning just 9 matches compared to Al-Shabab's 13 victories, while 12 matches ended in draws. Their most recent clash in December ended in a 2-2 stalemate, indicating a competitive rivalry.
As the match unfolded, Al-Fateh's defense showed signs of struggle against Al-Shabab's attacking flair. The home side, despite their recent unbeaten streak, was still vulnerable, and it became evident that Al-Shabab would look to exploit this weakness. Fans were on the edge of their seats, anticipating goals from both sides.
In terms of injury updates, Al-Fateh had a fully fit squad, while Al-Shabab faced challenges with Seung-Gyu Kim sidelined due to injury. The availability of Fahad Al Muwallad was also uncertain, depending on his match fitness.
The weather conditions were favorable for football, with a 10% chance of rain and temperatures reaching a high of 42 degrees Celsius. This ensured that players would not face any adverse conditions during the match.
As the match approached its climax, the tension in the stadium escalated. Fans of both teams were vocal, creating an electric atmosphere. Al-Fateh was desperate to secure points to avoid relegation, sitting just three points above the drop zone with seven matches remaining in the season.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabab was keen to maintain their position in the top half of the league, hoping to capitalize on any slip-ups from teams above them. With both teams having strong attacking options, it was clear that goals were likely to flow.
As the clock ticked down, analysts and commentators speculated about the possible outcomes. Would Al-Fateh's home advantage be enough to see them through, or would Al-Shabab's superior league position grant them the edge they needed? With both teams in fine form, it was shaping up to be a thrilling contest.
In the end, predictions leaned towards a draw, with many expecting a repeat of their previous encounters. Analysts suggested that a scoreline of 2-2 might be the most likely outcome, with both teams finding the back of the net.
The match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils, each taking a point from the encounter. Al-Fateh remained in 13th place, while Al-Shabab held onto their sixth position in the league. The result reflected the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, where every point is crucial as the season approaches its final stretch.
As the teams left the pitch, fans were left buzzing about the exciting gameplay they had just witnessed, with both sides showing determination and skill. The battle for survival and Champions League qualification would continue in the following weeks, with both teams looking to build on this performance.
