MW25 Talking Points: Last-gasp Al Nassr, Benzema back, golden boot battle | OneFootball

As each round takes us closer to the conclusion of the Roshn Saudi League campaign, every goal and point matters that little bit more.

And, in that, Matchweek 25 delivered some crucial moments that could prove decisive come season's end. Whether it’s at the top or tail of the table, there were significant moments aplenty right across the Kingdom.

So, here’s some of the major storylines to come from the latest round of action.

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Simakan to rescue

Mohamed Simakan doesn’t score many goals so, when he does, they are moments to saviour. Arguably, none will be as important as the header that delivered Al Nassr a 1-0 victory at home to NEOM Sports Club.

Simakan’s crucial contribution came in the fifth minute of stoppage-time, in the process rocketing the Riyadh club back to the summit - which, at this crucial juncture of the season, is like gold for manager Jorge Jesus.

Overall, it represented a result filled with character. After dominating the game without finding the breakthrough – captain, and two-time golden boot winner Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable through injury - it would’ve been easy for Al Nassr to drop points in this incredibly tight title race.

However, the ability to fight to the death is a trait of a team capable of going all the way to the top-flight trophy.

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Jeddah is… green

Look away now fans of Al Ittihad because, this season at least, Jeddah is green.

Al Ahli’s 3-1 win in the Sea Derby meant they completed the double against their city rivals this term, at the same time asserting their recent dominance. Al Ahli have now lost only one of their past six fixtures against Al Ittihad.

Not only that, but it also saw Matthias Jaissle join Christian Gross as the only Al Ahli managers in history to emerge victorious four times from clashes with their Jeddah neighbours.

More importantly, of course, it was also significant in Al Ahli’s pursuit of silverware: with nine rounds remaining, they sit second, two points off Al Nassr.

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Benzema back with bang

Having missed the past two RSL rounds through injury, Karim Benzema was clearly out to make up for lost time.

It took the winter window’s headline signing less than 45 minutes to mark his return as he best knows how: Benzema broke the deadlock for Al Hilal in what was proving a tricky home test against bottom club Al Najmah.

His second of the night arrived late, but doubled the hosts’ advantage and effectively opened the floodgates for Al Hilal to cruise to a 4-0 victory. Three goals in five minutes helped Simone Inzaghi’s side to a vital three points.

Thus, Al Hilal are third, three points off Al Nassr. With Benzema back, their chances of catching their Riyadh rivals grow substantially.

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Golden boot battle heats

The race for the golden boot is almost as intense as that for the title, with a new name sitting atop the 2025-26 scoring charts at the end of Matchweek 25.

A brace for Julian Quinones in Al Qadsiah’s 4-1 victory at Al Kholood takes him equal with Ivan Toney on 24 goals, as the pair race towards breaking the 30-goal barrier.

As it so happens, Al Qadsiah host Al Ahli next in Al Khobar on Friday, in a match that not only could have championship ramifications for both clubs, but also in the personal scrap between Quinones and Toney when it comes to perhaps snapping Ronaldo’s hold on the golden boot.

Can any one team, or player, deliver a hammer blow?

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Did Damac save their season?

It’s not only at the top where things are tight; the fight to avoid relegation is just as thrilling. So, when Damac, in 16th, hosted 15th-placed Al Riyadh, there was a lot on the line.

What transpired, therefore, could be the most pivotal three points of Damac’s season. It wasn’t simply the win, but the 3-0 scoreline could ultimately prove massive, not only for the victors' own goal difference, but the damage it did to Al Riyadh’s.

Going into the game level on points and goal difference, Damac jumped three points clear and now boast a six-goal buffer as well. With matches running out, Al Riyadh are playing catch-up.