Al Diriyah Claim Saudi Pro League Win Over Al-Fateh With Two Nuñez Penalties

Al Diriyah edged out Al-Fateh 2-1 in a feisty Saudi Pro League encounter on Wednesday evening, with two penalty goals proving to be the difference between the two sides in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Nuñez Opens the Scoring From the Spot

The visitors drew first blood as early as the 28th minute when Darwin Nuñez stepped up confidently and converted a penalty to give Al Diriyah the lead. It was a composed finish from the Uruguayan striker, who showed exactly why he commands such attention in the Saudi top flight. Al-Fateh, however, refused to fold and hit back just seven minutes later when Faisal Abdulwahed levelled matters with a well-taken goal in the 35th minute, sending the home supporters into raptures and setting up a tense second half.

Boulbina Seals It From Twelve Yards

The second half proved equally dramatic. Al Diriyah were awarded a second penalty, and this time it was Adil Boulbina who stepped up to restore his side's lead in the 51st minute. The goal came just minutes after Al-Fateh goalkeeper Adrian Šemper had picked up a yellow card for a foul in the 50th minute, adding to the pressure on the home side. A VAR review involving Boulbina in the 65th minute momentarily raised tensions, but the goal stood and Al Diriyah held firm through a frantic closing period.

Late Drama But No Equaliser

Both coaches made extensive use of their substitutes as the match wore on, with Al-Fateh introducing Kennedy Boateng and Mihai Lixandru to inject fresh energy, while Al Diriyah brought on Abdulelah Al-Malki and Darwin Nuñez — who had been withdrawn — alongside Adil Boulbina and Clayton Diandy in a strong show of squad depth. Despite the changes, Al-Fateh could not find the breakthrough they desperately needed.

Match Statistics

The game was not short of controversy or discipline issues. Al-Fateh collected three yellow cards across the ninety-six minutes, with Abdulelah Al Khaibari booked as early as the third minute, followed by goalkeeper Šemper and Kennedy Boateng. Al Diriyah picked up one yellow card late on through Sultan Al-Farhan in the 94th minute. Both sides made five substitutions apiece, reflecting the intensity of the contest and each coach's desire to control the outcome.

What This Result Means

For Al Diriyah, this is a significant three points that underlines their credentials as a genuine force in the Saudi Pro League this season. The ability to win away from home, absorb pressure after conceding, and convert crucial penalties speaks volumes about their mentality. For Al-Fateh, it is a frustrating defeat at home — one that will sting especially given they had fought back to level the score before the break. They will need to regroup quickly if they are to stay competitive in the standings.