The Saudi Pro League faced yet another attendance disappointment as only 800 spectators turned up to watch the match between Al Wehda and Al Taee at the 38,000-seater King Abdulaziz Sports City stadium.
On Friday evening, Al Wehda and Al Taee battled to a 1-1 draw in front of a small crowd at the King Abdulaziz Sports City stadium. The presence of former Manchester United and Watford striker Odion Igahlo in the Al Wehda lineup failed to attract a larger audience, with the Nigerian forward unable to find the back of the net during the match.
In contrast, Al-Nassr, led by Ronaldo, attracts an impressive average of 19,878 fans per game, highlighting the varying levels of popularity among teams in the Saudi Pro League. On the other end of the spectrum, Al-Riyadh SC struggles to draw in fans, with only an average of 1,394 attending their matches.
The attendance figures reflect the disparity in fan support across the league, with only four teams – Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal – boasting a five-figure average attendance. The remaining teams in the league struggle to reach four-figure attendance numbers, resulting in an overall league average of 8,275 spectators per game this season.
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Excitement Builds as Saudi Pro League Resumes Alongside AFC Champions League
The 2023/2024 Roshn Saudi Pro League is set to resume this week, following a six-week break for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The interim period saw significant changes in management, notable player transfers, and exciting developments as teams gear up for the remainder of the season.
Here is a detailed overview of the clubs in positions 10 to 18 as they prepare to kick off the second half of the season:
- Al-Khaleej
With 22 points and a goal difference of 23-28, Al-Khaleej has shown improvement from the previous season. The addition of talented players such as Portuguese winger Fabio Martins, South Korean midfielder Jung Woo-young, and Argentine defender Lisandro Lopez has bolstered their squad. Former Inter Miami midfielder Mo Adams adds depth to their midfield.
Outlook: Al-Khaleej aims to secure a spot in the King’s Cup semifinals with the help of key players like Fabio Martins and Mohamed Sherif.
- Al-Shabab
Struggling with 21 points and a goal difference of 19-25, Al-Shabab faces a challenging season. The departure of manager Jose Mourinho has left a void, with Vitor Pereira stepping in to lead the team. The arrival of players like Ivan Rakitic and Habib Diallo aims to lift the team’s performance.
Outlook: Al-Shabab looks to Pereira and Rakitic for guidance as they strive to move up in the ranks and avoid relegation.
- Al-Okhdood
In their debut season, Al-Okhdood has shown promise with 20 points and a goal difference of 13-25. Led by manager Martin Sevela, the team has managed to secure crucial victories. Romanian defender Andrei Burca has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength.
Outlook: Al-Okhdood aims to avoid relegation under Sevela’s guidance and improve their attacking prowess.
- Al-Raed
With 19 points and a goal difference of 24-31, Al-Raed has had a challenging season. The team’s attack, led by Algerian midfielder Amir Sayoud, shows potential. However, they need to work on consistency to secure better results.
Outlook: Al-Raed aims to display their collective strength and secure victories to move up in the standings.
- Al-Fayha
Al-Fayha, with 19 points and a goal difference of 19-31, aims to overcome a difficult season. Despite injury setbacks, players like Fashion Sakala and Henry Onyekuru have shone. The arrival of goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar and the departure of key players pose challenges for the team.
Outlook: Al-Fayha looks to showcase their AFC Champions League form domestically and avoid relegation.
- Al-Riyadh
Struggling with 19 points and a goal difference of 17-37, Al-Riyadh faces an uphill battle this season. Manager Odair Hellmann must address defensive and offensive issues to improve the team’s performance.
Outlook: Al-Riyadh relies on key players like Saleh Al-Abbas to lead the team to success.
- Al-Tai
Al-Tai, with 17 points and a goal difference of 20-39, faces a tough season following mid-table finishes. Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah has been a standout performer, but the team needs to work collectively to avoid relegation.
Outlook: Al-Tai prepares for a challenging journey ahead and aims to secure crucial victories to stay afloat in the league.
- Abha
Abha, with 14 points and a goal difference of 22-52, has faced a difficult season. Manager Pitso Mosimane seeks to strengthen the team’s defense with new signings and improve their performance.
Outlook: Abha looks to rebound under Mosimane’s guidance and avoid relegation with the help of key players like Luka Djordevic.
- Al-Hazem
Struggling with 13 points and a goal difference of 19-47, Al-Hazem aims to avoid demotion. Manager Jose Daniel Carreno has brought hope to the team, with defensive midfielder Junior Moreno joining to bolster the squad.
Outlook: Al-Hazem relies on key players like Toze to contribute significantly and secure vital points.
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