RSL's Week of Wonders: Goals, Glory, and Game-Changers
Cristiano Ronaldo's Powerful Comeback Reignites Al Nassr's Championship Dreams
After a brief absence, Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the Al Nassr squad proved instrumental in their pursuit of the league title. While the team managed victories in his absence, Ronaldo's presence undeniable elevates their game and media attention. His stunning volley from Sadio Mane's cross at the 18-minute mark against Al Fateh marked his 18th goal of the season, positioning him as a strong contender for the golden boot and just two goals shy of the current leader, Ivan Toney. This crucial goal propelled Al Nassr to a 2-0 win, extending their winning streak to seven matches in the RSL and placing them just one point behind league leaders Al Hilal. With Ronaldo back in formidable form, Al Nassr's aspirations for their first top-flight championship in seven years have received a significant boost.
Al Najmah's Enduring Struggle Culminates in a Momentous First Victory
February 14, 2026, will forever be etched in Al Najmah's history as the day they secured their inaugural RSL victory. Their 2-1 triumph over Al Kholood at home was met with immense jubilation in Unaizah, especially given that it took them 21 rounds to achieve this milestone. The promoted club had the unenviable record of being the only team in RSL history to go 20 games without a win. This hard-fought victory, however, offers a glimmer of hope for a late-season surge from the bottom-placed team, as they now find themselves only seven points from safety. The win also underscored the immediate positive impact of their new manager, Nestor El Maestro, who guided the team to success in his debut after the recent departure of Mario Silva.
The Transformative Effect of New Leadership: A 'New Manager Bounce' in Full Display
The concept of a "new manager bounce" was vividly demonstrated in Matchweek 22, with several teams experiencing immediate positive results following coaching changes. Nestor El Maestro's success with Al Najmah was mirrored by Fabio Carille's debut at Damac. Just days after taking over from Armando Evangelista, Carille led Damac to a 2-1 victory against top-five side Al Taawoun, ending a 10-round winless streak. The team, precariously positioned just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, showed remarkable resilience by coming from behind to win, with Yakou Meite scoring both goals, including the winner eight minutes from time. This performance highlighted the belief Carille quickly instilled. Similarly, Al Riyadh, under new coach Mauricio Dulac, secured a promising 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej. Despite Konstantinos Fortounis' late equalizer preventing a victory, this draw provided a solid foundation for the promoted Under-21 coach, who replaced RSL veteran Jose Daniel Carreno, to build upon.
Al Ittihad's Strategic Player Changes and the Emergence of Youssef En Nesyri
The winter transfer window brought significant changes to RSL champions Al Ittihad. Captain Karim Benzema and midfielder N'Golo Kante, both instrumental in their title win, departed, making way for new arrivals Youssef En Nesyri and George Ilenikhena. Filling the shoes of such prominent players, particularly Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, was a considerable challenge. However, in En Nesyri, Al Ittihad seems to have found a player capable of ensuring a smooth transition. The Morocco international, a hero of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, had already found the net for his new club in the AFC Champions League Elite before making his RSL debut. En Nesyri's header, which secured Al Ittihad's first goal in their 2-1 victory against Al Fayha at Alinma Stadium, was met with enthusiastic reception from the fans, signaling a successful start for the new recruit.
Omar Al Somah: A Respected Striker Continues to Rewrite RSL History
While Youssef En Nesyri is a new face in the RSL, Omar Al Somah is a seasoned veteran. Known for his tenure at Al Ahli, the other half of Jeddah, Al Somah established himself as one of Asia's most formidable strikers. He led Al Ahli to their most recent RSL title in the 2015-16 season and remarkably clinched three consecutive golden boots. During his nine years at Al Ahli, Al Somah rose to the top of the all-time RSL scoring charts, a position he has maintained through his stints at Al Orobah last season and Al Hazem this season. Defying age at 36, Al Somah further extended his lead over second-placed Abderrazak Hamdallah to eight goals with an excellent volley against Al Okhdood. This goal marked his 159th in the RSL, solidifying his status as a true league legend.