Al-Fateh overturned a one-goal deficit to beat Al-Hazm 2-1 at Al Fateh Club Stadium, a result driven by a commanding second quarter of the match and a significant advantage in both possession and territory. The Lemeister model had marginally favoured Al-Hazm, giving them a 37 per cent win probability, but Al-Fateh's dominance of the ball and shots inside the box proved decisive. Al-Hazm took the lead in the 22nd minute when Tozé scored a normal goal without an assist. The visitors had started on the front foot, but their advantage lasted only eight minutes. Al-Fateh equalised in the 30th minute through Cristian Tello, who scored an unassisted normal goal. The home side then completed the turnaround shortly before half-time, Lucas Zelarayán scoring in the 40th minute from an assist by Sofiane Bendebka.
The statistics underline a clear disparity in control. Al-Fateh recorded 68 per cent ball possession and completed 575 passes with 90 per cent accuracy, compared to Al-Hazm's 272 passes at 82 per cent. This territorial dominance translated into 19 total shots, 14 of which came from inside the box. Al-Hazm managed 13 shots but only six from inside the area, a reflection of the pressure they faced. Despite Al-Fateh's shot volume, the two goalkeepers were relatively busy: Al-Hazm's goalkeeper made four saves and Al-Fateh's made five, indicating that although the home side created more, both teams produced meaningful chances. The expected goals data points to a similar pattern: Al-Fateh generated a higher total, reflecting the quality of their shooting positions from inside the box. Al-Hazm's five shots on target from 13 attempts show efficiency, but they could not sustain that after the early goal.
The match featured five yellow cards. Al-Hazm received three, to Abdulaziz Al-Harbi in the 16th minute, Fahad Al Obaid in the 35th minute, and Faïz Selemani deep into stoppage time. Al-Fateh's Salem Alnajdi was cautioned in the 92nd minute. The foul count was moderate, with Al-Fateh committing 11 fouls to Al-Hazm's seven. Al-Hazm's early booking to Al-Harbi may have influenced their defensive approach, as they struggled to contain Al-Fateh's passing rhythm in the middle third. The corner kick count, nine for Al-Fateh to five for Al-Hazm, further illustrates the home side's sustained pressure.
Lucas Zelarayán was the highest-rated player on the pitch at 8.6, reflecting his goal and central role in the attack. Cristian Tello, who also scored, earned an 8.5. Their combined attacking output provided the cutting edge that Al-Fateh needed after falling behind. Ali Mukhtar and Sofiane Bendebka both received 7.9, the latter's assist contributing to his strong rating from defensive midfield where he also completed a high volume of passes. For Al-Hazm, Tozé was the standout with a 7.7, scoring the opener and threatening on the counter, while Paulo Ricardo recorded a 7.5 in central defence despite the defeat.
The result lifts Al-Fateh to 42 points from 33 matches, placing them in a mid-table position with a positive goal difference likely bolstered by this victory. Al-Hazm remain on 33 points, still outside the relegation places but with work to do in the closing rounds. The three points move Al-Fateh above their opponents in the standings, giving them breathing room as the season enters its final stretch. For Al-Hazm, the loss represents a missed opportunity to climb away from danger, especially given their bright start and early lead. The second-half statistics show a more even contest, but the damage had already been done in the first half's decisive 18-minute spell. Al-Fateh will look to build on this performance, while Al-Hazm must address their vulnerability to sustained pressure if they are to avoid a late-season slide.
