DAMMAM — In one of the most dramatic survival stories in Saudi Pro League history, Al Okhdood staged a sensational 3-2 comeback against Al Khaleej on Monday night to escape relegation by a single point — condemning Al Wehda, Al Orobah, and Al Raed to the drop. Al Khaleej had raced to a 2-0 lead with goals from Kostas Fortounis in the 47th and 60th minutes, seemingly sending Al Okhdood to the First Division. But the Najran-based side launched a remarkable fightback, beginning with a strike from Muhannad Al Faydi in the 65th minute. Substitute Saleh Al Abbas leveled the score in the first minute of stoppage time before Mohammad Naif completed the great escape with a dramatic winner in the 105th minute. The victory lifted Al Okhdood to 34 points, one ahead of Al Wehda, who fell 2-1 to Al Ettifaq and ended their campaign in 16th. They now join Al Raed (21 points) and Al Orobah (27 points) as the three teams relegated to the First Division League. Earlier in the evening, Al Orobah had managed a 3-2 win over Al Taawoun but had already been mathematically relegated after losing their eligibility protest regarding goalkeeper Rafea Al Ruwaili. The decision handed Al Nassr three points and extinguished Al Orobah's slim hopes of survival. Meanwhile, Al Raed capped their disappointing season with a 2-1 loss to Al Kholood, finishing at the bottom of the table with just 21 points.
