Al Shabab vs Al-Qadisiyah FC Match Recap - Dec 31, 2025

Al-Qadisiyah FC Outlasts Al Shabab in a Thrilling 3-2 Encounter

Al-Qadisiyah FC's victory over Al Shabab not only solidifies their position in the top half of the Pro League but also highlights the stark contrast in form between the two teams. With this win, Al-Qadisiyah climbs to 5th place, now boasting 18 points from 10 matches, while Al Shabab remains mired in 15th with just 8 points.

Al-Qadisiyah's attacking prowess was on full display, with Mateo Retegui and Nahitan Nández leading the charge. Retegui's early goal set the tone, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities. This match marks his sixth goal of the season, reinforcing his status as a key player for Al-Qadisiyah. Nández, who also scored, has been instrumental in their midfield, contributing not just defensively but also in creating scoring chances.

Al Shabab's struggles continue to mount, with this match being another chapter in their disappointing season. Despite a spirited performance from Josh Brownhill, who scored their only goal, the team failed to convert possession into meaningful chances. They managed only three total shots compared to Al-Qadisiyah's two, highlighting a troubling trend of inefficiency in front of goal. Their inability to finish reflects a broader issue within the squad, where reliance on individual brilliance has not translated into collective success.

Al-Qadisiyah dominated possession with 66%, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game. Their passing accuracy of 88% further emphasizes their control, as they completed 203 passes compared to Al Shabab's 101. This disparity in ball control allowed Al-Qadisiyah to create more opportunities and maintain pressure on Al Shabab's defense throughout the match.

The defensive frailties of Al Shabab were evident once again. They struggled to contain Al-Qadisiyah's attacking duo, which has been a recurring theme in their recent matches. The lack of cohesion in defense led to gaps that were exploited by Al-Qadisiyah, particularly during counter-attacks. The absence of a solid defensive strategy has left Al Shabab vulnerable, and this match was no exception.

Yannick Carrasco's late penalty attempt for Al Shabab, while dramatic, ultimately came too late to change the outcome. His efforts reflect a desperate push from a team that has struggled to find consistency this season. The missed opportunity underscores the pressure mounting on Al Shabab as they seek to turn their fortunes around.

Recent form for both teams paints a clear picture of their trajectories. Al-Qadisiyah has shown resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from a draw against Damac with this crucial win. Their last five matches include three wins and two draws, indicating a team that is finding its rhythm. In contrast, Al Shabab's recent performances have been disheartening, with only one win in their last five matches and a series of draws that have left them searching for answers.

The contrasting narratives of these two teams are stark. Al-Qadisiyah is riding high on confidence and momentum, while Al Shabab is grappling with self-doubt and inconsistency. The pressure is mounting for Al Shabab as they prepare for their next match against Al-Fateh; they must find a way to convert their possession into goals if they hope to escape the relegation zone.

Looking ahead, Al-Qadisiyah will face Al Riyadh next, where they will aim to build on this victory and solidify their standing in the league. Their current form suggests they are well-equipped to handle the challenge. Meanwhile, Al Shabab must regroup quickly; failure to secure points in their upcoming fixtures could see them slip further into trouble.

This match serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative unfolding in the Pro League: teams like Al-Qadisiyah are seizing opportunities while others like Al Shabab are left scrambling for solutions. The road ahead will be critical for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the season.