Match Report:
NEOM S.C. Suffer Defeat to Al Ittihad After Strong Showing in Round 12

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – December 31, 2025 – NEOM S.C. suffered a 3–1 defeat to visitors Al Ittihad in the match played on Saturday evening at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, as part of Round 12 of the Roshn Saudi League.

In front of a large crowd, head coach Christophe Galtier named a starting lineup featuring Luís Maximiano in goal, with a back four of Khalifah Al-Dawsari, Ahmed Hegazi, Nathan Zézé and Fares Abdi. The midfield consisted of Amadou Koné, Ali Al Asmri, Hassan Al Ali and Said Benrahma, while Alexandre Lacazette partnered Luciano Rodríguez up front.

With this result, NEOM S.C.’s points tally remains at 17, leaving the team in seventh place in the league standings.

First Half

After a cautious start from both sides, the first chance fell to Said Benrahma, but Al Ittihad defender Fabinho dealt with the danger. Al Ittihad then made the most of their first opportunity, opening the scoring through Roger Fernandes in the 14th minute.

NEOM S.C. responded quickly and were rewarded in the 27th minute when Said Benrahma equalised with a superb free kick that found the back of the net. Both teams continued to exchange attacks in search of a second goal, but all attempts were unsuccessful, and the first half ended 1–1.

Second Half

NEOM S.C. pushed forward early in the second half through Benrahma and Lacazette, but their efforts did not produce a goal. In the 68th minute, Al-Ittihad took the lead again as Bergwijn finished off a precise assist from Moussa Diaby.

Galtier introduced Ahmed Abdu in place of Benrahma to boost the attacking options, yet NEOM S.C.’s threat diminished despite controlling possession. Further changes followed in the 78th minute, with Eslam Hawsawi replacing Ali Al Asmri and Alaa Hejji coming on for Hassan Al Ali.

Ahmed Abdu came close to equalising in the 79th minute, but his effort went just wide of the post. Fabinho then denied NEOM S.C. a certain goal in the final minute of regular time. As NEOM S.C. increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, Al Ittihad struck on the counterattack in the dying moments, with Ahmed Al Ghamdi scoring the third goal to seal a 3–1 victory.