DAMMAM — Al Qadsiah celebrated a triumphant return to the Eastern Derby, defeating Al Ettifaq 2-0 at Al Ettifaq Club Stadium in the closing match of the inaugural Roshn Saudi League Derby Week on Saturday. Goals from Julian Quinones and Gaston Alvarez sealed the win, lifting Al Qadsiah to fifth place in the league standings. With his team struggling in 10th place and without a victory since Matchweek 3, Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard opted for a defensive 5-3-2 formation to contain Al Qadsiah's offensive threats, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, Al Ettifaq's hopes of a clean sheet were shattered early when Nahitan Nandez's strike rebounded to left-back Gaston Alvarez, who slotted it home after a VAR check confirmed no offside, giving Al Qadsiah the lead within 12 minutes. Al Ettifaq came close to equalizing just before the half-hour mark. Karl Toko Ekambi's powerful left-footed shot was saved by Al Qadsiah's goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who then denied a follow-up attempt by Radhi Al Otaibi. In the second half, Al Qadsiah doubled their advantage when Quinones outmaneuvered defender Abdullah Madu to convert Mohammed Abu Al Shamat's pinpoint cross, sealing the 2-0 victory. Al Ettifaq's struggles continued, marking their fourth defeat in six games and dropping them to 11th place, while Al Qadsiah climbed to fifth, two points behind Al Shabab in fourth and three points off Al Nassr in third.
