Julián Quiñones scored twice, leading Al-Qadisiya to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab during the Saudi Pro League's 20th round. His outstanding performance not only secured the win but also solidified his reputation as one of the league's top scorers.
The matchup began with Al-Shabab taking the lead early on, with Cristian Guanca scoring just 16 minutes in. It was not until the second half, at the 49th minute, when Quiñones found the net, equalizing the score and showcasing his ability to respond under pressure.
After Quiñones' goal, Al-Qadisiya faced significant challenges. They were reduced to ten men following the expulsion of their star player Pierre Emerick Aubameyang at the 79th minute. This setback could have demoralized the team, but Quiñones had other ideas.
Despite being one man down and trailing again after Haroune Camara scored for Al-Shabab at the 68th minute, Quiñones was determined. His relentless pursuit of the game culminated at the 90+6 minute when he scored the decisive goal with incredible composure, securing three points for his team.
“Julián Quiñones sigue demostrando su clase en la Saudi Pro League, marcando otro doblete que reafirma su estatus de gran goleador,” remarked Al-Qadisiya News, emphasizing Quiñones' importance to the team.
With this remarkable double-goal performance, Quiñones has now scored 13 goals this season, making him one of the league's leading scorers alongside football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Ronaldo currently leads with 16 goals, followed closely by Benzema at 14.
The victory places Al-Qadisiya temporarily in third place with 44 points, only three behind Al-Hilal and five behind leader Al-Ittihad. The match confirmed the team's resilience and ability to compete against Saudi Arabia's top clubs.
Looking forward, Al-Qadisiya will face Al-Okhdood next, where Quiñones will aim to continue his goal-scoring streak. With each match, he strengthens his position as a potential candidate for the Mexican national team, especially with the upcoming Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League approaching.
“Pese a la inferioridad numérica, Ali Hazazi empató el encuentro,” reported Saudi Sports News, highlighting the pressing circumstances under which Al-Qadisiya managed to clinch the match victory.
Quiñones' impressive form may also affect his selection for the national team as he prepares for international competitive play. With strong performances week after week, he has become one of the standout athletes not just for Al-Qadisiya but within the Saudi Pro League.
His contribution to the team and league has sparked excitement among fans and commentators alike. The goal-scoring prowess demonstrated by Quiñones not only boosts Al-Qadisiya's ranking but also adds significant appeal to the Saudi Pro League.
With his focus set on maintaining this momentum, Quiñones looks to be not just chasing personal accolades, but also aspiring to contribute significantly to his team and potentially represent Mexico on the international stage. His latest efforts have undoubtedly established him as one of the bright spots of the league this season.
Al-Qadisiya has shown impressive form, not losing since January 11. Quiñones will need to maintain his current performance to keep the pressure on opposing teams as the league progresses.