MW26 Talking Points: Felix firing, Al Riyadh upset, Ar Rass is yellow

With each passing week the stakes get only higher, and the pressure only more intense, and that was certainly the case across Matchweek 26 of the Roshn Saudi League.

From a dramatic stoppage-time that blew open the title race, to a difficult loss for the defending champions that added intrigue to the relegation battle, it was another round that had it all.

Here are some of the major talking points from Matchweek 26 to get your teeth into.

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"Incredible" Al Qadsiah keep dream alive

What a difference a few minutes make. Leading 2-1 heading into stoppage-time at Al Qadsiah, second-placed Al Ahli were eyeing a return to the top of the table to keep the pressure firmly on Al Nassr.

A few minutes later, though, they were processing a shock loss. Al Qadsiah struck twice in injury-time, Ibrahim Mahnashi’s 98th-minute interjection sealing the most stunning of comebacks. From 2-1 up, Al Ahli were beaten 3-2 right at the death.

The result has massive implications for the title battle, with Al Ahli dropping five points behind Al Nassr, while fourth-placed Al Qadsiah kept alive their remote chances - they are seven back. Not only that: as captain Nacho declared afterwards, there’s real promise that next season his club will be even better.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Al Riyadh breathe life into bid

With just one victory in their previous 19 fixtures, it’s an understatement to say things were looking bleak for Al Riyadh as they battle to avoid relegation.

Having seen Damac win 24 hours earlier, extending their gap to the bottom three to six points, Al Riyadh knew only victory in their match would give them hope of turning that around during the final seven rounds. However, against RSL champions Al Ittihad, that was easier said than done.

What followed was one of the campaign’s great upsets as Al Riyadh ran out 3-1 winners. It could just prove to be the catalyst for survival.

With their next fixture against Al Shabab, and Damac facing championship-chasing Al Ahli, there is now a path towards survival for Mauricio Dulac’s side, who may sit 16th, but are one victory from safety.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Felix finds form right on cue

After his blistering start to the season, Joao Felix had been uncharacteristically goal-shy for Al Nassr, failing to find the back of the net in 14 RSL matches in 2026.

But with Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined with injury, the 26-year-old stepped up to fill the void with a Man of the Match performance in Al Nassr’s 5-0 win at Al Khaleej.

Two goals and an assist not only broke Felix’s goal drought but made it three games in a row that he has provided a goal contribution. Indeed, the brace took the summer signing’s RSL tally to 15 goals and 11 assists - becoming the first player this season to hit double figures in both stat categories.

In the latter, Felix moved to the top of the assist charts, alongside Matchweek 26 opponent Konstantinos Fortounis. As the campaign reaches its climax, there is no better time for Felix to be finding his goalscoring form once more.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Ben Zekri gives Al Shabab zest

Noureddine Ben Zekri might be known around football for his theatric celebrations, but beneath it all is a very astute coach.

The Algerian tactician has developed a reputation as the “relegation whisperer” having helped teams avoid perilous situations, and he appears to have done it again with Al Shabab.

Things were dire when Ben Zekri replaced Imanol Alguacil, with the capital club languishing a few points above the relegation zone.

'I must do a great job' - Ben Zekri is back, for challenge at Al Shabab

RSL survival specialist replaces Imanol Alguacil

However, the 2-0 victory at home to Al Okhdood made it three wins and a draw from Ben Zekri’s first five matches, a run that has propelled Al Shabab well clear of the drop zone - they are up to 12th - and even eyeing a top-half finish.

In fact, according to the form guide of the past five rounds, Al Shabab would be in the best six, with one-third of their goals this season coming since Ben Zekri was appointed.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Ar Rass is… yellow!

Those clad in yellow will be walking a little taller around the streets of Ar Rass this week after Al Hazem did the double over local rivals Al Kholood.

While a historic rivalry, this season marks the first time the clubs have met in the RSL and, thanks to Abdulaziz Al Dowaihi's late winner, it was Al Hazem that again emerged victorious. Intriguingly, the 2-1 triumph matches the same scoreline from earlier in the season.

Not only does the victory come with local bragging rights, but it may also ensure Al Hazem finish above their city rivals to complete a trifecta of sorts. Now 10th, Al Hazem are four places and six points above their city foes.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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