Match Report:
Benrahma double seals NEOM S.C. win in thriller at Al Kholood

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – October 30, 2025 – NEOM S.C. regained its winning rhythm and returned with three valuable points after defeating hosts Al Kholood in Matchweek 7 of the Roshn Saudi League.

With this victory, NEOM S.C. raised its tally to 13 points, climbing up to fifth place in the standings.

Head coach Christophe Galtier started the match with the following lineup: Luís Maximiano in goal; in defence, Abdulmalik Al Oyayari, Khalifah Al Dawsari, Nathan Zézé, and Fares Abdi; in midfield, Amadou Koné, Abbas Al Hassan, Saïmon Bouabré, Saïd Benrahma, and Luciano Rodríguez; and in attack, Alexandre Lacazette.

First Half

After a quiet start from both sides, the fifth minute brought an early goal for Al Kholood following a defensive error, which allowed their striker to pounce and slot home.

NEOM S.C. responded quickly - just four minutes later - with a brilliant attacking move initiated by Benrahma, who exchanged passes with Luciano before firing a powerful shot into the net for the equaliser.

The visitors pushed forward to take control, creating a few half-chances that didn’t find success. In the 19th minute, Benrahma tried his luck again with a long-range strike that was saved by the Al Kholood goalkeeper.

Nine minutes later, Maximiano produced a crucial stop, deflecting a dangerous effort from Al Kholood’s Hattan Bahebri into a corner.

The 32nd minute brought better news for NEOM S.C. when Rodríguez delivered a dangerous cross that was inadvertently turned into the net by an Al Kholood defender, giving NEOM S.C. a 2-1 lead.

In the closing stages of the half, Al Kholood enjoyed more possession but failed to threaten. In the 42nd minute, Bouabré went close with a shot that missed the target, as NEOM S.C. entered the break in front.

Second Half

A defensive lapse early in the second half nearly cost NEOM S.C., but the Al Kholood forward fired over the bar.

In the 54th minute, Al Dawsari rose to meet a cross but his header drifted wide. Five minutes later, Fares Abdi struck a powerful long-range effort that the goalkeeper managed to hold on the second attempt.

NEOM S.C.’s persistence was rewarded in the 66th minute when Benrahma scored his second of the night - sprinting forward on a counterattack and delicately chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

The tempo slowed thereafter, with Al Kholood pushing to reduce the deficit but struggling to create clear chances.

Coach Galtier made his first substitution in the 75th minute, bringing on Ali Al Asmri for Abbas Al Hassan. In the 81st minute, Luciano Rodríguez made a strong run down the right flank, showing great energy and skill before the defence cleared the danger.

Al Kholood pulled one back in the 82nd minute through Romero Enrique.

Galtier then made several changes to preserve the lead - introducing Hassan Al Ali, Abdulaziz Noor, and Awn Al Saluli for Saïmon Bouabré, Saïd Benrahma, and Abdulmalik Al Oyayari. The fifth and final substitution came after regulation time, with Mohammed Al Burayk replacing Khalifah Al Dawsari.

The closing minutes brought no new developments as NEOM S.C. maintained their composure to see out the win and return from Buraidah with three precious points.