ABHA— In a decisive match in the 20th round of the Saudi Pro League, Croatian star Ivan Rakitić led Al Shabab to a 1-0 victory over the host team Damac on Friday, further extending Damac's ongoing struggle.
Rakitić, making his debut for Al Shabab following his transfer from Sevilla in the winter transfer window, scored the game's only goal in the 82nd minute. The Croatian midfielder's impactful performance showcased his immediate contribution to the team.
Adding to Damac's challenges, Sunusi Husawi, one of their players, received a red card in the 67th minute, further complicating their efforts to secure a positive result.
With this win, Al Shabab secured three crucial points, bringing their total to 24 and placing them in the tenth position in the league standings. Meanwhile, Damac remains in the sixth position with 30 points.
The historical record between Al Shabab and Damac indicates a clear dominance by Al Shabab. Since Damac's promotion to the professional league, they have yet to secure a victory against Al Shabab. Out of the 12 encounters, Al Shabab emerged victorious in nine, while three matches ended in draws, highlighting Al Shabab's consistent performance against Damac.
