Al-Ahli 3-2 Al-Taawoun: Allan Saint-Maximin scores stunning winner for hosts in five-goal thriller as ex-Newcastle star nets his first goal for Saudi Pro League side since £25m summer switch
- 7 months ago
Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez continued his successful run in the Saudi Pro League after securing an early assist against Al-Taawoun.
Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez both started for the Saudi club, alongside Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saint-Maximin netted a stunning winner from outside the box, followed by a spectacular somersaulting celebration to wow his new Saudi Pro League fans
Al-Ahli took an early lead to make it 2-0, though the gap was closed swiftly, thanks to goals from Joao Pedro Pereira dos Santos and Musa Barrow.
Into the second half, Allan Saint-Maximin struck gold from outside the box with a stunning winner that clinched the eventual 3-2 victory.
The Frenchman joined Al-Ahli for a reported fee of around £ 23 million, among a wave of Premier League stars swapping the Saudi Pro League for eye-watering fees.
The winger, 26, registered his first goal as an Al-Ahli player, having made six appearances for his new club so far.
Chelsea's ex-goalkeeper Edouard Mendy started for Al-Ahli, though failed to stop shots from Pereira dos Santos and Musa Barrow of Al-Taawoun.
Saint-Maximin's late strike went on to clinch the three points for the Saudi Pro League side.
Musa Barrow thought he had secured himself a brace when he hit the back of the net in stoppage time.
VAR ruled out the goal, securing the win for Al-Ahli after the club spent big this summer in their hopes of challenging Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr for the title.
Abdulbasit Hindi was sent off in stoppage time, alongside Spanish midfielder Alvaro Medran - with both teams down to ten men in added time.
Al-Ahli sits third in the league, while Al-Taawoun is close behind them in fourth.
Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez both started for the Saudi club, alongside Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saint-Maximin netted a stunning winner from outside the box, followed by a spectacular somersaulting celebration to wow his new Saudi Pro League fans
Al-Ahli took an early lead to make it 2-0, though the gap was closed swiftly, thanks to goals from Joao Pedro Pereira dos Santos and Musa Barrow.
Into the second half, Allan Saint-Maximin struck gold from outside the box with a stunning winner that clinched the eventual 3-2 victory.
The Frenchman joined Al-Ahli for a reported fee of around £ 23 million, among a wave of Premier League stars swapping the Saudi Pro League for eye-watering fees.
The winger, 26, registered his first goal as an Al-Ahli player, having made six appearances for his new club so far.
Chelsea's ex-goalkeeper Edouard Mendy started for Al-Ahli, though failed to stop shots from Pereira dos Santos and Musa Barrow of Al-Taawoun.
Saint-Maximin's late strike went on to clinch the three points for the Saudi Pro League side.
Musa Barrow thought he had secured himself a brace when he hit the back of the net in stoppage time.
VAR ruled out the goal, securing the win for Al-Ahli after the club spent big this summer in their hopes of challenging Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr for the title.
Abdulbasit Hindi was sent off in stoppage time, alongside Spanish midfielder Alvaro Medran - with both teams down to ten men in added time.
Al-Ahli sits third in the league, while Al-Taawoun is close behind them in fourth.