DAMMAM — Roberto Firmino's second-half strike proved pivotal as Al Ahli defeated Al Ettifaq 2-1 on Monday night at the EGO Stadium, snapping back to winning form. The former Liverpool forward delivered a low volley just after the hour mark to double Al Ahli's lead, following Gabri Veiga's opening goal on the half-hour. Veiga converted Riyad Mahrez's cross with a composed finish past Al Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak. In a match rich with Liverpool connections, Georginio Wijnaldum, another former Anfield star, pulled one back for the hosts in the final minute of regulation time. The Al Ettifaq captain latched onto Alvaro Medran's through ball to slot his shot past Edouard Mendy, rekindling hope for Steven Gerrard's side. Despite late pressure, Al Ahli held firm to rebound from last week's 1-0 loss to Al Kholood, a defeat that ended their five-match winning streak. The victory keeps Matthias Jaissle's team in fifth place, now level on points with fourth-placed Al Nassr. Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, continue to struggle for consistency. Gerrard's side, who defeated Damac 3-0 in their previous match, remain 11th, eight points adrift of the top six. The opening matchday of the RSL's inaugural Legends Week saw Al Fayha secure a vital 1-0 victory over Al Kholood, moving them out of the relegation zone for the first time since Matchweek 6. Alejandro Pozuelo scored the decisive goal early in the second half, giving new manager Pedro Emanuel back-to-back wins. Al Fayha now sit 14th, with Al Kholood just a point above in 12th. Elsewhere, Al Okhdood triumphed 2-0 over Al Raed in Buraidah, with goals from Juan Sebastian Pedroza and Christian Bassogog. However, the visitors ended the match with 10 men after Ibrahima Kone was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offense. Al Okhdood climb to 13th with their fourth win of the season, while Al Raed drop to 15th. The results see Al Ahli remain competitive near the top of the table, while Al Ettifaq's inconsistency keeps them languishing mid-table.
