Saudi Arabia star Salem Al-Dawsari came off the bench on Saturday night to make his La Liga debut and help turn the game against Real Madrid on its head.
The winger has been waiting patiently for his chance since joining Villarreal on loan from Al-Hilal in February and he must have feared his time in Spain would finish without a single minute of action, but he was surprisingly thrown on by coach Javier Calleja for the final 33 minutes and he made quite the impact.
Buoyed by scoring for his country against Greece in midweek, Al-Dawsari came on for Javi Fuego after 57 minutes and injected new energy into the Yellow Submarines’ line-up. Pitched out on the left wing, he linked up nicely with his teammates and grew in confidence as the match wore on. On 70 minutes, Al-Dawsari picked up the ball near the center circle, exchanged passes with Rodri, then with Pablo Fornals, creating space for the former to set up Roger Martinez for Villarreal’s first goal.
Al-Dawsari then saw fellow substitute Samu Castillejo score an 85-minute equalizer to grab a point that meant they finished fifth. Champions League finalists Real Madrid had been two goals up inside 32 minutes thanks to efforts from Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fahad Al-Muwallad was the first player from the Kingdom to play in La Liga when he came on as a substitute for Levante against Leganes earlier this month. And the forward, who is nailed on to be in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup squad, got more top-level minutes under his belt on Saturday when he came on as a 75th-minute substitute in Levante’s 4-2 defeat at Celta Vigo.
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Saudi Arabia star gets to play against Cristiano Ronaldo as he makes debut against Real Madrid
Saudi Arabia star gets to play against Cristiano Ronaldo as he makes debut against Real Madrid
- Salem Al-Dawsari plays 33 minutes against Real Madrid
- He helps Villarreal come from two goals down to rescue a point
Morocco says AFCON final incidents will not affect close African ties
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
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