NEOM vs Al Kholood Result
Pro League · Saudi-Arabia
NEOM
Full Time
Al Kholood
📍 King Khalid Sport City Stadium, Tabuk
🗓️ Saturday, 28 Feb 2026 at 19:00
💀 AI Prediction Report
DOWN BADPredicted
2 - 0
Actual
1 - 2
💰 Bet Results0/2 hit
Al Kholood Stun NEOM Away With Early Blitz and Resolute Finish
Al Kholood clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over NEOM at the King Khalid Sport City Stadium, capitalizing on a fast start and surviving a late barrage despite being out-possessed for much of the contest. The visitors struck first through Hattan Bahebri in the 4th minute, setting the tone for a frenetic opening period. NEOM responded swiftly via Alexandre Lacazette, but a composed finish from Ramiro Enrique before halftime restored Al Kholood’s advantage. Despite NEOM’s 61% possession and a numerical advantage in corners and attacking play, their efforts were hampered by wastefulness in the final third and a costly red card in the second half. Al Kholood’s disciplined 4-4-2 held firm under pressure, with Juan Cozzani making crucial saves to preserve the lead as the hosts pressed for an equalizer.
NEOM
NEOM controlled possession (61%) and matched Al Kholood for total shots (10), but lacked clinical edge in front of goal. Their 4-3-3 formation allowed them to dominate midfield, yet they struggled to break down a compact Al Kholood defense. Alexandre Lacazette’s early goal gave hope, but the hosts failed to build on that momentum, and their attacking rhythm was disrupted after a red card in the second half. Three yellow cards further highlighted their frustration as they chased the game.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Al Kholood
Al Kholood executed their game plan superbly, striking early and defending resolutely. Their 4-4-2 setup allowed them to absorb pressure and spring forward with purpose, as evidenced by their two first-half goals from Hattan Bahebri and Ramiro Enrique. Despite seeing less of the ball (39% possession), they were more efficient in front of goal, registering five shots on target. The defense, marshaled by Norbert Gyömbér and Shaquille Pinas, stood tall in the face of NEOM’s late onslaught, while goalkeeper Juan Cozzani was a steady presence.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Moments
4' — Goal
Hattan Bahebri finishes off a swift move to give Al Kholood an early lead.
12' — Goal
Alexandre Lacazette equalizes for NEOM, finishing a well-worked attack.
39' — Goal
Ramiro Enrique restores Al Kholood’s advantage with a composed strike.
Second Half' — Red Card
NEOM reduced to 10 men, hampering their comeback hopes.
Late Second Half' — Save
Juan Cozzani makes a crucial stop to deny NEOM an equalizer.
Tactical Analysis
NEOM lined up in a 4-3-3, seeking to control the midfield and dictate play through Salman Al-Faraj and Amadou Koné. Their wide forwards stretched the play, but Al Kholood’s compact 4-4-2 shape limited central penetration and forced NEOM into hopeful crosses and shots from distance. Al Kholood’s early goal allowed them to sit deeper, inviting NEOM onto them and looking for quick transitions. The visitors’ midfield, anchored by John Buckley and Abdulrahman Al Dosari, disrupted NEOM’s rhythm, while their full-backs tucked in to prevent overloads. Substitutions in the second half by NEOM aimed to inject fresh legs, but the red card forced a tactical reshuffle, limiting their attacking options and allowing Al Kholood to see out the result.
Turning Point
The red card to NEOM in the second half, which stifled their momentum and made an equalizer unlikely.
Man of the Match
Juan Cozzani
Produced several vital saves under intense pressure, securing all three points for Al Kholood.