Shabab and Riyadh share six-goal thriller in Saudi Pro League

Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh served up an attacking masterclass at the Shabab Stadium, combining for six goals in a match that swung back and forth with relentless momentum. The home side began brightly, establishing early control, but neither defence offered much comfort to their respective keepers as the pattern of the game quickly became clear: end-to-end, high-tempo football with chances at both ends.

Trézéguet struck first for the visitors in the 32nd minute, giving Al-Riyadh a shock lead. Brownhill levelled for Al-Shabab just four minutes later with a well-taken goal, only for Al-Riyadh to regain the advantage through Antunes in the 41st minute. That made it 1-2 at the interval, but Carrasco transformed the contest after half-time. The winger equalised in the 45th minute to level the score at 2-2, then struck again in the 81st minute to put Al-Shabab 3-2 ahead. Okou's goal for Al-Riyadh in the 57th minute had briefly threatened to extend their lead, but instead it proved merely a prelude to Carrasco's decisive moment.

The second half became a different proposition after Al-Riyadh's Keïta received a red card in the 61st minute, reducing the visitors to ten men. That dismissal fundamentally altered the balance of the match, shifting the momentum decisively toward the home side and allowing Al-Shabab greater space to operate. Carrasco's late strike came with Al-Riyadh already depleted, though the away team's numerical disadvantage did not prevent them from fighting to the final whistle.

Al-Shabab dominated proceedings in the closing stages, buoyed by their extra man and Carrasco's goalscoring form. Al-Riyadh, despite being reduced to ten, showed resilience and attacking intent throughout, refusing to retreat entirely despite the odds. Both sides created clear chances, and the quality of play remained high even as fatigue and frustration began to set in across the 96 minutes played, including six added minutes.

Discipline played a decisive role in shaping the contest. Beyond Keïta's red card, Al-Riyadh accumulated two yellow cards through Alessa and Lekhal, signs of mounting pressure and an increasingly desperate defensive approach. The final whistle brought Al-Shabab 3-3 Al-Riyadh, a result that felt fair given the intensity and attacking commitment shown by both teams. For Al-Shabab, the draw at home offered mixed feelings after dominating the second half with a numerical advantage. Al-Riyadh departs with credit for their fighting spirit and attacking quality despite the handicap of the red card, taking a point from a hostile environment.