Reijnders’ stoppage-time strike lifts Al-Qadsiah to the top of the Saudi Pro League
Al-Qadsiah left it until the final moments to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun on Tuesday, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring in the sixth minute of stoppage time. The Dutch midfielder’s late finish rewarded a dominant performance and kept his side at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
For much of the contest, Al-Qadsiah controlled possession and pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. But Al-Taawoun defended stubbornly, frustrating their opponents and making a goalless draw appear increasingly likely as the clock ran down.
Then, with the allotted five minutes of added time almost over, Al-Qadsiah launched one last attack. Reijnders collected the ball around 15 metres from goal, created just enough space and drove a powerful shot into the bottom corner. The finish settled a tense match and sent the visiting players into celebration.
A decisive moment after sustained pressure
Al-Qadsiah had looked the more threatening team for long stretches, but their territorial advantage did not immediately translate into goals. Al-Taawoun’s compact defensive shape limited clear openings and forced the visitors to keep searching for a way through.
That resistance made the eventual winner especially significant. Rather than allowing frustration to take over, Al-Qadsiah continued to press and were rewarded with one final opportunity. Reijnders’ composure and accuracy turned a late attack into three valuable points.
For supporters following the Saudi Pro League, the result also offered a reminder of how narrow the margins can be in a title race. A match that seemed destined to end in a draw was decided by a single moment of quality, with the late goal changing both the result and the immediate shape of the standings.
Reijnders continues to make his mark
The goal was Reijnders’ sixth in all competitions since joining Al-Qadsiah from Manchester City during the summer for a reported €61 million. The move brought the midfielder to Saudi Arabia as one of the club’s major signings, and his growing contribution is strengthening his influence on the team.
Reijnders is known for his ability to operate between midfield and attack, link play and arrive in dangerous areas. Tuesday’s winner highlighted another important quality: the confidence to take responsibility when a match is on the line. His strike was not just a reward for Al-Qadsiah’s pressure; it was also a statement of his value in a demanding campaign.
His early goal return will be encouraging for the club as it balances domestic ambitions with the expectations that accompany a high-profile transfer. If he can maintain this level of impact, Reijnders could become central to Al-Qadsiah’s push for silverware.
Al-Qadsiah lead, but the title race remains open
Al-Qadsiah now have 25 points from 10 matches and sit first in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Taawoun, meanwhile, remain 17th after the defeat and will need to find a way to turn competitive performances into points as the season develops.
The league table still requires careful reading, however. Second-placed Al-Hilal have 24 points from nine games, while Al-Nassr have 19 from eight. Both challengers have played fewer matches than Al-Qadsiah, leaving them with opportunities to close the gap or move ahead when their games in hand are completed.
That context makes Al-Qadsiah’s narrow win important, but not conclusive. The club has shown it can grind out a result when its attacking play is met with determined resistance. Yet the teams behind them have the quality and schedule flexibility to keep the pressure on. Every point could matter as the campaign progresses.
What the result means for the next fixtures
Al-Qadsiah’s next listed league fixture is against Al-Hilal on October 24, a meeting that could have a direct impact on the top of the table. With only one point separating the sides in the standings, the clash offers an early opportunity for Al-Qadsiah to strengthen its position—or for Al-Hilal to capitalise on its game in hand.
Al-Taawoun are scheduled to face Al-Tai on October 25. After a disciplined display that ultimately ended in defeat, their priority will be to carry the defensive organisation into the next match while creating more danger at the other end.
Football prediction: pressure rises at the top
Any football prediction about the Saudi Pro League title race remains uncertain at this stage. Al-Qadsiah have momentum and currently occupy first place, but Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have played fewer matches and remain firmly in contention. The upcoming head-to-head with Al-Hilal could provide a clearer indication of whether Reijnders’ side can sustain its early pace.
For now, Al-Qadsiah can take confidence from a victory earned through patience, persistence and a decisive finish. Reijnders supplied the moment that separated the teams, turning a frustrating evening into a significant result. If the club can continue combining control with late-game resilience, it will remain a serious presence in the Saudi Pro League race.
