It has been a difficult season for Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh but there are signs of promise in their relegation battle after spending most of the 2024-25 campaign at the foot of the table.
The club based in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, now led by former Zamalek coach José Gomes, earned their first victory away from home this season in a 2-1 result over Al Ettifaq and it was their dynamic North African attacking duo who made the difference. Moroccan forward Mourad Batna opened the scoring from the penalty spot following a VAR review soon after the half hour mark.
Ettifaq equalized through former Flamengo and CSKA Moscow forward Vitinho in first half stoppage time and it appeared the teams would begin the second half level. However, Algerian playmaker Sofiane Bendebka fired in a stunning volley from a Matias Vargas cross to deal a shocking blow to the hosts who failed to recover in the second half.
Batna and Bendebka, who are joined by Moroccan club captain and central defender Marwane Saadane as key contributors, are the bright spots in a disappointing season that is showing signs of revival. Former FUS Rabat forward Batna and former MC Alger player Bendebka each have five goals this season to account for ten of Fateh's eighteen league goals. Fateh remain in last place on thirteen points but are now within sight of escape from the relegation zone.
Later in Riyadh, defending champions Al Hilal continued to show signs of weakness in a 1-1 draw with Al Riyadh. Burkina Faso star Mohammed Konaté played excellently but it was ultimately a frustrating match for the burly striker. The offsides flag denied him a 24th minute opener but Konaté persisted and opened the scoring just before halftime for his fourth goal of the season.
It appeared that Hilal may suffer a shocking defeat when Sekou Lega struck for Riyadh in the 58th minute but VAR intervened to judge the goal offsides. Hilal leveled the match almost immediately after through Salem Al Dawsari to spare the home team's blushes with a point.
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