Multiple European megastars have followed the lead of veteran Cristiano Ronaldo by deciding to showcase their talents to Saudi Arabian football aficionados. The opening matchday of the Saudi Pro League lived up to its billing with a number of mouth-watering performances.
Bolanews delves into the list of five players that set the Saudi Pro League alight on the first Matchday of the campaign.
1. Robert Firmino
Al-Ahli were not messing around when they decided to assemble a front three of former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Allan Saint-Maximin. Firmino grabbed the headlines in Al-Ahli’s first game by netting a hat-trick against Al Hazem. Just six minutes into the encounter, the Brazilian opened the scoring with a glancing header to fire past Aymen Dahmen. Riyad Mahrez then unleashed a sublime pass to put it on a sliver plate for Firmino to grab another goal. The last member of Al Ahli’s devastating trio, Saint-Maximin, got into the action by setting up Roberto Firmino’s hat-trick clenched.
2. Malcolm
Following the departure of Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, Al Hilal spent big to sign Brazilian star Malcom. The former FC Barcelona star joined Al Hilal this summer from Zenit St. Petersburg in a deal worth €60 million. And the new acquisition marked his debut with a hat-trick, mimicking compatriot Robert Firmimo. The forward guided the ball into an empty net to draw first blood against Abha at the half-hour mark. Malcolm’s ferocious shot in the 55th minute ended up in the back of the net after the opposition goalkeeper’s weak save. The striker completed his hat-trick with an explosive left-footed finish at 77 minutes.
3. Fashion Sakala
Zambian striker Fashion Sakala did not waste time getting about his business in the Saudi Pro League as he inspired Al Fayha to a 3-1 win. Only 13 minutes into his debut, the trickster laid off the ball to teammate Ricardo Ryller, who smashed the ball into the net. Sakala got himself on the scoresheet to double the lead for Al Fayha on the brink of halftime. After racing through on goal, the Chipolopolo striker rounded the goalkeeper and passed the ball into the net. Following his impressive debut, the Copper Bullet reacted, “Great victory and 3 important points for the fans. The journey has started. Thank you so much for your support”.
4. Igor Coronado
The Brazilian fever caught the Saudi Arabian topflight in the opening weekend as yet another Samba star delivered a masterclass. Igor Coronado struck twice to get Al Ittihad’s title defense underway. Following Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah’s opening goal, Coronado curled the ball into the far corner to double Al Ittihad’s lead. The Brazilian playmaker then completed his brace when he guided a rebounded shot into the net.
5. Martin Campaña
The Uruguayan shot-stopper starred for Al Riyadh as the newly promoted side mastered their first-ever win in the Saudi Arabian topflight. A 1-0 win over Al Wehda got their life in the Saudi Pro League off to a perfect start. Zimbabwean striker Knowledge Musona got the historic goal when Al Riyadh caught Al Wehda on the counterattack in the 17th minute. Martin Campaña was a man-mountain between the sticks, producing seven (7) saves to keep the visitors at bay. After the impressive result, match winner Musona wrote, “Great start into the season. Good teamwork.”.
