Al Kholood produced a thrilling comeback to edge Al Taawoun 3-2 in a dramatic Saudi Professional League encounter at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium. In a match that shifted momentum repeatedly, the home side struck twice after the 80th minute to snatch all three points and inject fresh belief into their early-season campaign.

Crazy second half sees Al Kholood turn the tide

The opening exchanges were even, with both sides sizing each other up in midfield. Al Taawoun, known for their structured pressing, took the lead just after the half-hour mark when a well-worked corner was headed home at the near post. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly before the interval, punishing a sloppy pass out of the Al Kholood defence with a clinical counter-attack.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Al Kholood needed an immediate response. The home coach made a double substitution early in the second period, introducing fresh legs on the flanks, and the change paid off within minutes. A sweeping move down the right ended with a precise finish to make it 2-1, setting up a tense final half hour.

Late heroics and a winner to remember

Just as Al Taawoun began to manage the game, Al Kholood found an equaliser against the run of play. A hopeful long ball was collected well on the edge of the box, and a low driven shot beat the keeper at his second attempt after an initial save.

With the crowd sensing an unlikely victory, Al Kholood pushed forward relentlessly. The winner arrived in stoppage time as a late corner was only half-cleared and the ball was lashed into the roof of the net. The final whistle was met with wild scenes among the home supporters and a bitter disappointment for Al Taawoun, who had led for much of the night.

Standout performers

• Al Kholood playmaker: Orchestrated the comeback with relentless energy, setting up the first goal and scoring the equaliser.
• Home goalkeeper: Produced three crucial saves in the first half to keep the deficit manageable.
• Al Taawoun wide forward: A constant threat early on, involved in both of his side's goals.

Impact on the standings

The win gives Al Kholood their first points of the new Saudi Professional League season and lifts them out of the relegation zone. For Al Taawoun, the late collapse means dropping two points in a fixture they will have circled as winnable. The resilience of Al Kholood will be one of the standout stories of the opening rounds.