Match Report:
A goalless draw settles the Al Ettifaq vs NEOM S.C. clash in Matchday 17

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – January 21, 2026– A goalless draw settled NEOM S.C.’s match away to Al Ettifaq, played at EGO Stadium at Al Ettifaq Club’s headquarters in Dammam, as part of Matchday 17 of the Roshn Saudi League.

With this result, NEOM S.C. raised their tally to 21 points, sitting ninth in the league standings.

French head coach Christophe Galtier started the game with Luís Maximiano in goal. The back line consisted of Khalifa Al Dawsari, Ahmed Hegazi, Nathan Zézé, and Islam Hawsawi. In midfield, Alaa Hejji, Amadou Koné, Said Benrahma, Saïmon Bouabré, and Luciano Rodríguez featured, with Alexandre Lacazette leading the attack.

First half

The hosts made the brighter start, with an early effort rattling the crossbar. NEOM S.C. responded in the 10th minute through a Said Benrahma shot that was saved by Al Ettifaq’s goalkeeper, while Maximiano was called into action with an excellent stop in the 16th minute to deny another Al Ettifaq attempt.

The remainder of the first half lacked clear chances. In the 30th minute, Al Ettifaq dealt with a promising NEOM S.C. move after Saïmon Bouabré headed the ball toward Nathan Zézé inside the box, forcing it out for a corner.

Just before the break, NEOM S.C. came close when Lacazette latched onto a clever ball in behind the defense. His attempt was blocked, and the rebound fell to Benrahma, whose powerful shot was pushed away for a corner.

Second half

Al Ettifaq began the second half in search of a goal, creating an early chance that NEOM S.C.’s defense repelled twice, first through Hawsawi and then via Zézé.

In the 57th minute, Benrahma broke through Al Ettifaq’s back line after a precise pass, but defender Calvo intervened just in time to prevent the ball reaching Lacazette. Three minutes later, Lacazette sent in a cross towards Benrahma that went wide.

At minute 68, Luciano capitalized on a defensive error, drove into the penalty area, and delivered a cross that Benrahma struck onto the post. Five minutes later, the referee awarded NEOM S.C. a penalty for a foul on Lacazette, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

NEOM S.C. continued to pose the greater attacking threat compared to the hosts, yet neither side managed to find the breakthrough. The match ended goalless, with both teams taking a point from the encounter.