“Yellow 25”: Al-Najma and Al-Adalah Clash for the Runner-Up Spot
The 25th round of the Yellow League for the Saudi First Division Professional League kicks off on Saturday, featuring strong encounters, most notably the one between Al-Adalah and Al-Najma, who currently hold the second and third positions, respectively.
The round begins with 3 matches on Saturday: Ohod vs. Neom, Al-Safa vs. Al-Tai, and Al-Batin vs. Al-Arabi.
League leaders Neom aim to continue their winning streak and take another step closer to a historic promotion to the Roshn Saudi League. They currently have 53 points, a 9-point lead over their closest rivals. Meanwhile, Ohod sits at the bottom of the table, facing an increasingly difficult task to avoid relegation with only 13 points, 11 points adrift of the safety zone.
Al-Safa hosts Al-Tai, desperately seeking points after failing to secure any in their last 8 matches, which has seen them drop to 17th place with 21 points. Al-Tai, on the other hand, will be looking to regain winning momentum and climb up the standings, currently sitting in sixth place with 38 points.
Al-Batin will face Al-Arabi in a match where both teams will strive to return to winning ways. Al-Batin occupies the 14th position with 25 points, while Al-Arabi has 34 points in ninth place, 4 points away from the playoff spots.
The round continues on Sunday with Al-Hazem hosting Al-Jabalain, Al-Faisaly facing Al-Zulfi, and Al-Bukiryah traveling to Al-Jandal.
Al-Hazem will be looking to regain their balance and secure a long-awaited victory after going three matches without a win. They host Al-Jabalain, who are aiming to close the gap on the runner-up position, currently sitting fifth with 39 points, 5 points behind fourth-placed Al-Hazem, who have 43 points.
Al-Faisaly, in 15th place with 24 points, welcomes Al-Zulfi, who are in 12th place with 28 points. Al-Faisaly will be hoping to continue their winning streak and move further away from the relegation zone, while Al-Zulfi will be seeking their second consecutive win to approach a safer position in the league.
In a strong encounter with playoff aspirations, Al-Bukiryah, in seventh place with 35 points, hosts Al-Jandal, who are tenth with 33 points.
The 25th round concludes on Monday with Al-Adalah visiting Al-Najma, Al-Jubail playing against Al-Ain, and Jeddah facing Abha.
The highlight of the round sees third-placed Al-Najma, with 43 points, host second-placed Al-Adalah, who have 44 points. The home team will be aiming for their third consecutive victory, which would propel them to the runner-up spot. Meanwhile, Al-Adalah will be looking to bounce back with a win and strengthen their position behind league leaders Neom.
Al-Jubail will host Al-Ain in a crucial match for both teams given their positions in the league table. Al-Jubail sits in 13th place with 26 points, just 3 points ahead of 16th-placed Al-Ain, who have 23 points.
Finally, Jeddah will face Abha in a match where only 3 points separate the two sides. Jeddah is currently eighth with 35 points, while Abha is in eleventh place with 32 points.