Lead:
Saudi professional football witnessed a landmark week as Al-Hilal delivered a crushing 6-0 victory over Al-Taawun, with Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli recording his second career hat-trick. Simultaneously, the AFC Champions League Elite tournament commenced with the debuts of three Saudi clubs—Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Qadisiyah—marking a significant moment for the region's continental competition.
Fixture chaos followed Al-Hilal's emphatic win, prompting both the Saudi Football Federation and Professional League to issue joint statements condemning abusive chants directed at Al-Taawun supporters toward Portuguese defender Robin Neves. Al-Taawun terminated Serbian head coach Zarko Lazevic following the defeat and opened negotiations with Turkish manager Fatih Terim as replacement.
Top Stories:
Gabriel Martinelli, Al-Hilal — The Brazilian forward scored three goals in Al-Hilal's 6-0 demolition of Al-Taawun, marking his second hat-trick in his professional career. This victory underscores Al-Hilal's exceptional recent form and dominance in Saudi domestic football.Al-Ahli, AFC Champions League Elite — Al-Ahli began their title defense by hosting Uzbek club FC Bukhara in the tournament's opening round. The Saudi champions seek to establish early momentum in their campaign to retain the continental trophy.Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadisiyah, AFC Champions League Elite — Both clubs made their inaugural AFC Champions League Elite appearances on the opening matchday. Al-Ittihad faced Qatar's Al-Shmal, while Al-Qadisiyah hosted UAE side Al-Wasl, representing a historic expansion of Saudi representation in Asia's elite club competition.Al-Taawun management reshuffle — Following the 6-0 loss, Al-Taawun parted ways with head coach Zarko Lazevic and initiated direct negotiations with Turkish manager Fatih Terim. The managerial change aims to stabilize the club after a heavy defeat.Saudi League continued play — Niyom defeated Al-Fath 4-2, while Al-Riyadh defeated Al-Khaleej 2-0 in Round Seven action. Al-Dereiyah and Abha drew 0-0, extending the stalemate results in the Saudi Professional League.Edward Mendy international retirement — Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edward Mendy announced his withdrawal from international football with Senegal, ending his international career less than two and a half months after his participation in 2026 World Cup qualifying.What to Watch:
Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad will continue their AFC Champions League Elite campaigns as the group stage progresses, with both aiming to challenge established continental powerhouses. The Saudi Professional League Round Eight fixtures will reveal whether Al-Hilal's momentum continues and whether newly promoted clubs consolidate their positions.