The Roshn Saudi League returned from the international break with a flurry of action, producing 27 goals across the league. The second round of fixtures showed early signs of which teams are ready to challenge for honors and which are still finding their rhythm.Al Nassr carried their strong momentum with another victory, while Al Khaleej continued to surprise as one of the early pace-setters. NEOM SC secured their first-ever league win, marking a historic milestone. Al Shabab steadied themselves after a difficult opening match, and Al Hilal saw Darwin Núñez open his account in Saudi football. It was a weekend that offered both predictability from the established giants and fresh storylines from ambitious challengers.
Big clubs impress, and newcomers make history in Roshn Saudi League Matchweek 2
Sadio Mane showcased a man of the match performance in Matchweek 2 Image via Saudi Pro League)
Al Nassr showed no signs of slowing down as they secured a 2-0 win over Al Kholood. Although Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t find his scoring boot, goals from Sadio Mané and Iñigo Martínez ensured three more points. Another clean sheet kept their defensive record spotless after two games, as Jorge Jesus’ men have scored seven and conceded none, underlining their intent to fight for the crown this season.Al Khaleej continued their strong start with a 3-0 home victory against Al Fayha. After an impressive opening-day performance, they backed it up with another convincing display. Joshua King scored again to take his tally to three, while new signings Paolo Fernandes and Giorgos Masouras added quality in attack. Their early form signals that Al Khaleej are not to be underestimated.NEOM SC wrote a new chapter in their short history by registering their their first ever win in the Roshn Saudi League. Alexandre Lacazette was the difference, scoring twice in a 2-1 success against Damac. His late penalty proved decisive, giving Christophe Galtier’s side a valuable early-season boost. Young midfielder Saimon Bouabre continued to impress, highlighting his potential as a rising star.Al Shabab bounced back from a heavy defeat in their opener to claim a narrow 1-0 win over Al Hazem. New arrivals Yacine Adli and Unai Hernandez made their first appearances, providing a glimpse of the squad’s fresh look. With experienced names such as Yannick Carrasco and Abderrazak Hamdallah leading the way, Al Shabab will expect to stabilize and climb the standings.
Darwin Núñez’s debut goal was not enough to win the game for Al Hilal
Al Hilal had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Al Qadsiah despite dominating large spells of the match. Darwin Núñez, however, delivered a positive note by scoring his first goal for the club after his transfer from Liverpool. The Uruguayan striker had multiple chances and was denied more by the brilliance of goalkeeper Koen Casteels. However, it was not enough for sealing a victory. Matchweek 2 highlighted both the strength of Saudi football’s biggest clubs and the ambition of its rising teams. Al Nassr’s flawless start, Al Khaleej’s surprise push, and NEOM SC’s historic win set the tone for an exciting season.With star players like Darwin Núñez finding form and new signings settling in, the Roshn Saudi League promises more drama and quality as the campaign gathers pace.
Al Nassr and Al Khaleej lead the pack in RSL 2025-26 after Matchweek 2
After two rounds of the 2025/26 Roshn Saudi League season, Al Nassr, Al Khaleej, and Al Ittihad have emerged as the early frontrunners. All three sides boast perfect records with two wins from two games, sitting on six points each. Al Nassr top the table thanks to their impressive +7 goal difference, followed closely by Al Khaleej (+6) and Al Ittihad (+5).Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal round out the top five, both unbeaten with four points apiece after one win and one draw. Al Ettifaq and Al Ahli sit just behind, also on four points.NEOM SC made history in Matchweek 2 by securing their first-ever RSL victory and are 8th with three points, level with Al Riyadh, Al Fayha, and Al Shabab.In the lower half, Damac (12th) and Al Hazem (14th) each have one point, while Al Fateh, Al Najmah, Al Kholood, and Al Okhdood remain winless. Al Okhdood sit bottom of the table after back-to-back defeats and a -4 goal difference.With only two rounds played, the early standings underline Al Nassr’s attacking dominance, Al Khaleej’s surprise form, and the growing competitiveness across the league.
