Al Hazem seal immediate RSL return

Al Hazem have snapped up the final spot in the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, joining NEOM SC and Al Najmah as newcomers in next season’s edition of the lead division of Saudi football.

The Ar Rass-based side were relegated from the RSL only last season, but were able to secure a swift return to the top flight on Thursday thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Al Adalah in the first-ever First Division League Play-off Final.

Al Hazem had beaten Al Tai in the last four, while Al Adalah edged out Al Bukairiyah on penalties to set-up a thrilling finale hosted by Al Hazem, given home advantage given they that finished higher in the regular season.

On Thursday, Al Hazem opened the scoring after 21 minutes when Abdulrahman Al Dakhil rose highest to head home from a corner.

Almost immediately after the start of the second half, coach Jalal Qadri’s men doubled their advantage. A free-kick from near the corner flag was whipped into the Al Adalah penalty area and found its way to Brazilian forward Gano Zinho, who converted it first-time at the far post.

The win was then sealed with 18 minutes to go, when Basil Al Sayali picked up Karim Yoda’s pass inside the box, set it up on his left and drilled the ball into the bottom corner for 3-0.

Al Hazem’s return to the top flight means the city of Ar Rass, with a population of just more than 121,000, will have two representatives in the RSL for the first time in its history, with Al Hazem joining local rivals Al Kholood.

Meanwhile, the 2025-26 season will see a record high of four clubs from the Qassim region, despite Al Raed being relegated. The Ar Rass duo are joined by Al Najmah from Unaizah, while Buraidah-based Al Taawoun remain in the top division for a 15th consecutive season.