Al Fayha vs Damac: Overview

Al Fayha Saudi Club secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Damac Saudi Club in an enthralling Saudi Professional League encounter at Al Majma'ah Sport City. The Orange dominated proceedings from the outset, with Fashon Sakala opening the scoring in the 23rd minute before Renzo López doubled their advantage shortly after halftime. Damac's Georges-Kevin Nkoudou pulled one back with 15 minutes remaining to set up a tense finale, but Pedro Emanuel's men held firm to claim all three points.

The atmosphere at Al Majma'ah was electric throughout, with home supporters creating a cauldron of noise to push their team forward. Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling delivered a commanding performance at the heart of Al Fayha's defense, showcasing why the club made him their marquee signing earlier this season.

This result moves Al Fayha into the top half of the table, strengthening their mid-table position and putting distance between themselves and the relegation-threatened Damac, who remain dangerously close to the drop zone. The victory continues Al Fayha's impressive home form in the 2024-25 campaign, where they've now won six of their eleven home fixtures in the Saudi Professional League.

"We showed great character today against a team fighting for survival. The first half performance gave us the platform to control the match, though I would have preferred us to be more clinical and avoid that nervous ending. Smalling's leadership at the back was crucial when Damac increased the pressure late on," commented Pedro Emanuel, Al Fayha's satisfied head coach.

"We created enough chances to take something from this game, especially in the final twenty minutes. Our position demands better results, but I saw fighting spirit from my players today that gives me confidence for our remaining fixtures," reflected Khalid Atawi, Damac's coach.

"The team is coming together at the right time. We're looking up the table now, not down. Today's victory wasn't perfect, but winning when you're not at your best is the sign of a good team," stated Chris Smalling, who marshaled Al Fayha's defense expertly throughout the ninety minutes.

"Al Fayha deserved their victory based on their first-hour dominance, but Damac showed tremendous spirit in the final phase. This result could prove significant in the relegation battle, with Damac now facing increased pressure in their remaining fixtures," analyzed Ali Al-Bulaihi, former Saudi international defender and match commentator.

Possession: Al Fayha 54% - 46% Damac

Shots (On Target): Al Fayha 14 (6) - 11 (4) Damac

Corners: Al Fayha 6 - 5 Damac

Fouls: Al Fayha 11 - 14 Damac

Yellow Cards: Al Fayha 2 (Gojko Cimirot 37', Mohammed Al Baqawi 79') - Damac 3 (Tariq Mohammed 42', François Kamano 56', Ramzi Sawlan 84')

Red Cards: None

Key Player Statistics:

Al Fayha:

• Fashon Sakala: 1 goal, 3 shots on target, 2 key passes
• Chris Smalling: 7 clearances, 3 interceptions, 89% pass completion
• Orlando Mosquera: 4 saves, 1 high claim

Damac:

• Georges-Kevin Nkoudou: 1 goal, 4 successful dribbles, 2 shots on target
• Nicolae Stanciu: 3 key passes, 91% pass completion, 2 shots
• Florin Niţă: 4 saves, 1 penalty area clearance

23' GOAL! (1-0) Fashon Sakala puts Al Fayha ahead after a brilliantly worked move down the right flank. Gabriel Vareta's cross found Sakala unmarked at the far post, and the Zambian striker made no mistake with a powerful header beyond Florin Niţă.

37' YELLOW CARD Al Fayha's Gojko Cimirot enters the referee's book for a late challenge on Tariq Mohammed in midfield.

42' YELLOW CARD Damac's Tariq Mohammed receives a caution for pulling back Khalid Kaabi as Al Fayha threatened to break forward.

51' GOAL! (2-0) Renzo López doubles Al Fayha's advantage! A defensive error from Ramzi Sawlan allows Pozuelo to intercept and play López through on goal, who calmly slots past the onrushing Niţă.

56' YELLOW CARD François Kamano is cautioned for a reckless tackle on Gabriel Vareta near the touchline.

62' SUBSTITUTION Damac make a double change: Habib Diallo and Dhari Al Anazi replace Tariq Mohammed and Mohammed Al Khaibari as Khalid Atawi switches to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation.

75' GOAL! (2-1) Georges-Kevin Nkoudou gives Damac hope! The former Tottenham man receives Stanciu's through ball and finishes clinically into the bottom corner past Orlando Mosquera.

79' YELLOW CARD Mohammed Al Baqawi (Al Fayha) is booked for time-wasting as the home side look to manage the closing stages.

84' YELLOW CARD Ramzi Sawlan (Damac) receives a yellow card for a cynical foul on Sakala, stopping a promising counter-attack.

90+5' FULL TIME The referee blows for full time after five minutes of added time. Al Fayha hold on for a valuable 2-1 victory.

This victory extends Al Fayha's recent dominance over Damac in the Saudi Professional League, giving them a third consecutive win in this fixture. In their previous encounter this season, Al Fayha secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Damac's Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium through a late Khalid Kaabi strike.

Historically, the head-to-head record between these clubs has been competitive, with Al Fayha now leading with 7 wins to Damac's 5, alongside 3 draws since Damac's promotion to the top flight in 2018. The Orange have been particularly strong at home against Damac, remaining unbeaten in their last five encounters at Al Majma'ah.

The individual battle between Chris Smalling and Habib Diallo proved fascinating throughout the match. Smalling largely neutralized Damac's top scorer until the final twenty minutes when Diallo's movement began creating spaces for teammates. In midfield, the contest between Gojko Cimirot and Nicolae Stanciu ebbed and flowed, with Cimirot dominating the first hour before Stanciu's influence grew late on.

Defensively, Al Fayha have now conceded just three goals in their last six meetings with Damac, highlighting their tactical discipline against today's opponents. This consistent record against direct competitors in the mid-to-lower section of the table has been crucial to Al Fayha maintaining their top-flight status in recent seasons.

Following this crucial victory, Al Fayha have climbed to 9th position in the Saudi Professional League table with 36 points from 27 matches (10 wins, 6 draws, 11 losses). Pedro Emanuel's side now sit comfortably in mid-table, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with just 7 matches remaining in the 2024-25 campaign.

Meanwhile, Damac remain in a precarious 14th position with 28 points from 27 games (7 wins, 7 draws, 13 losses), just 3 points above the relegation places. This defeat extends their winless run to five matches, increasing pressure on coach Khalid Atawi to secure their top-flight status for another season.

At the top of the table, Al Hilal continue their dominance with 65 points, seven clear of second-placed Al Nassr. The title race appears all but decided, while the battle for AFC Champions League qualification remains competitive between Al Ahli (52 points) and Al Ittihad (50 points).

Al Fayha's remaining fixtures appear relatively favorable compared to Damac's schedule, which includes matches against three top-six teams. Analysts now rate Damac's relegation probability at 40%, a significant increase from 28% prior to this defeat at Al Majma'ah Sport City.