Match Report:
Last-gasp blow denies NEOM S.C. victory in Roshn Saudi League Flag day Round opener

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – March 12, 2026 – A 2–2 draw settled the match between NEOM S.C. and their guest Al Taawoun in Round 26 of the Roshn Saudi League, a round that carried the title Flag Day Round.

Luciano Rodríguez and Alexandre Lacazette scored for NEOM S.C., bringing the team to 33 points in 9th place in the league standings.

Head coach Christophe Galtier started the match with the following lineup:

Luis Maximiano in goal, with Mohammed Al Burayk, Khalifah Al Dawsari, Nathan Zézé, and Faris Abdi in defense.

In midfield: Amadou Koné, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Said Benrahma, and Rayane Messi.

Up front: Luciano Rodríguez and Alexandre Lacazette.

First Half

NEOM S.C. started strongly, launching attacks on Al Taawoun’s goal and imposing clear control over the game.

In the 23rd minute, the pressure paid off as NEOM S.C. opened the scoring through a well-worked move. Abdoulaye Doucouré delivered a precise pass to the Uruguayan Luciano Rodríguez, who finished it into the net.

NEOM S.C. continued to dominate despite taking the lead and came close to extending their advantage on several occasions.

In the 40th minute, the post denied NEOM S.C. a second goal after Alexandre Lacazette struck a powerful shot that hit the post and bounced out.

Second Half

NEOM S.C. dropped deeper at the start of the second half, while Al Taawoun showed determination to equalize.

Their efforts paid off in the 69th minute, when Martínez fired a powerful long-range shot from outside the box that found the back of the net to make it 1–1.

NEOM S.C. responded quickly and regained the lead shortly after. A brilliant pass from Said Benrahma was expertly finished by Alexandre Lacazette, restoring the advantage for NEOM S.C.

Al Taawoun pushed again for an equalizer, but Luis Maximiano produced several excellent saves.

However, in stoppage time, Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi scored the equalizer for Al Taawoun, ending the match 2–2, mirroring the result of the first-round encounter between the two sides.