ALKHOBAR — As the whistle blew to start Al-Qadsiah's first match of the new Saudi Pro League season, all eyes were on the newly promoted team, eager to see how they would fare against the more seasoned Al-Fateh. What unfolded was a display of dominance that belied their status as a team fresh out of the First Division. The club, which underwent a significant transformation following its acquisition by global oil giant Aramco, has been a topic of discussion throughout the off-season. This marked the first phase of Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports club privatization initiative. The strategic moves made by the club, both on and off the pitch, have clearly paid off, as evidenced by their commanding win. Julian Quiñones, one of Al-Qadsiah's high-profile signings, wasted no time in making his mark. The Mexican forward, who was one of 12 new players brought in during the summer transfer window, scored two of the three goals that sealed the win. His performance was a testament to the club's shrewd recruitment strategy, which has focused on blending international experience with local talent. The third goal came from young Saudi player Abdulaziz Al-Othman, whose composed finish highlighted the potential of the domestic players in the squad. Al-Othman's goal was more than just a capstone on the victory—it was a symbol of the club's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent alongside its international stars. Despite the challenging August heat in Dammam, the team showed remarkable resilience and fitness, a testament to their rigorous pre-season preparation. Head coach Miguel González, speaking at the post-match press conference, was quick to acknowledge the significance of the win but remained focused on the bigger picture. "The victory over Al-Fateh is just the beginning," González said. "We must continue to work hard and not get complacent. Our goal is to build on this momentum and reach the highest levels of performance." González's approach is pragmatic. He knows that while this win is a positive start, the road ahead will be challenging. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and fitness as the season progresses, particularly as the team continues to integrate its new signings. The win, however, is not without its caveats. While Al-Qadsiah dominated Al-Fateh, González is aware that this match is only a small sample of what the season will hold. The true test will come as the team faces off against the league's more established sides. González also hinted at further activity in the transfer market, suggesting that the squad could see additional reinforcements before the window closes. "As long as the transfer window is open, we are exploring all options," he said, underscoring the club's ambition. Among the new signings, Spanish defender Nacho, formerly of Real Madrid, and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have added considerable depth and experience to the squad. However, it was the performance of Quiñones and Al-Othman that stole the spotlight in this opening fixture. Al-Qadsiah's victory was witnessed by a diverse crowd, including many European expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia, drawn by the club's star-studded lineup. The atmosphere in the stands reflected the growing interest in the Saudi Pro League, as more international players join the ranks of local clubs. Looking ahead, the club's management and coaching staff are optimistic but cautious. The goal is clear: to establish Al-Qadsiah as a formidable force in the Saudi Pro League, capable of competing with the top teams and securing a place in international competitions. As the team prepares for its next challenge, the victory over Al-Fateh serves as both a confidence booster and a reminder of the work still to be done. Al-Qadsiah's journey in the Saudi Pro League has only just begun, but if this first match is any indication, the future looks bright for the club and its supporters.
