2020–21 Saudi Professional League
The 2020–21 Saudi Professional League is the 45th edition of the Saudi Professional League, the top Saudi professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1976. The season is began on 17 October 2020 as a consequence of the postponement of the previous season's conclusion due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Fixtures for the 2020–21 season were announced on 29 September 2020.[2]
Season | 2020–21 |
---|---|
Dates | 17 October 2020 – 30 May 2021 |
Matches played | 134 |
Goals scored | 383 (2.86 per match) |
Top goalscorer | Carlos Strandberg Fábio Abreu Hassan Al-Amri Emilio Zelaya Júlio Tavares (10 goals each) |
Biggest home win | Al-Taawoun 4–0 Al-Shabab (21 December 2020) |
Biggest away win | Al-Ettifaq 0–4 Al-Fateh (24 November 2020) |
Highest scoring | Al-Ain 3–4 Al-Ahli (7 November 2020) Damac 4–3 Al-Ahli (5 December 2020) |
Longest winning run | Al-Hilal (5 matches) |
Longest unbeaten run | Al-Ittihad (11 matches) |
Longest winless run | Al-Raed (9 matches) |
Longest losing run | Al-Ain (5 matches) |
← 2019–20 2021–22 →
All statistics correct as of 6 February 2021. |
Al-Hilal are the defending champions after winning the Pro League for the 16th time last season.[3] Al-Ain, Al-Batin, and Al-Qadsiah join as the three promoted clubs from the 2019–20 MS League.[4] They replace Al-Adalah, Al-Fayha, and Al-Hazem who were relegated to the 2020–21 MS League.
Teams
Sixteen teams will compete in the league – the top thirteen teams from the previous season and the three teams promoted from the MS League.
Teams who were promoted to the Pro League
The first club to be promoted was Al-Batin, who were promoted following Al-Bukayriyah's 1–1 draw with Al-Ain on 1 September 2020. Al-Batin will play in the top flight of Saudi football after a season's absence.[5] Al-Batin were crowned champions following their 1–1 draw with Al-Bukayriyah on the final matchday.[6]
The second club to be promoted was Al-Ain, who were promoted on 10 September 2020 following their 2–0 win at home against Ohod.[7] Al-Ain will play in the top flight of Saudi football for the first time in history. Al-Ain became the first team from the Al Bahah Region to play in the Pro League.
The third and final club to be promoted was Al-Qadsiah, following their 3–1 home win against an already promoted Al-Batin side on 10 September 2020.[8] Al-Qadsiah will play in the top flight of Saudi football after a season's absence.
Teams who were relegated to the MS League
The first club to be relegated was Al-Adalah, who were relegated after only a year in the top flight following a 1–1 home draw with Al-Raed.[9]
On 4 September 2020, Al-Hazem became the second club to be relegated following a 1–0 defeat away to Al-Shabab.[10] Al-Hazem were relegated after two years in the top flight.
On 9 September 2020, Al-Fayha became the third and final club to be relegated following a 1–0 defeat away to Al-Taawoun in the final matchday.[11] Al-Fayha were relegated after three years in the Pro League. This was Al-Fayha's first relegation from the top flight of Saudi football.
Stadiums
- Note: Table lists in alphabetical order.
Team | Location | Stadium | Capacity |
---|---|---|---|
Abha | Abha | Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium | 20,000[12] |
Al-Ahli | Jeddah | King Abdullah Sports City | 62,345 |
Al-Ain | Al Bahah | King Saud Sport City Stadium (Al Bahah) | 10,000[13] |
Al-Batin | Hafar Al-Batin | Al-Batin Club Stadium | 6,000[14] |
Al-Ettifaq | Dammam | Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium | 35,000[15] |
Al-Faisaly | Harmah | Al Majma'ah Sports City | 7,000 |
Al-Fateh | Al-Hasa | Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium | 26,000[16][17] |
Al-Hilal | Riyadh | King Fahd International Stadium | 62,685 |
Al-Ittihad | Jeddah | King Abdullah Sports City | 62,345 |
Al-Nassr | Riyadh | King Saud University Stadium | 25,000 |
Al-Qadsiah | Khobar | Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium | 15,000[18] |
Al-Raed | Buraidah | King Abdullah Sport City Stadium | 25,000 |
Al-Shabab | Riyadh | King Fahd International Stadium | 62,685 |
Al-Taawoun | Buraidah | King Abdullah Sport City Stadium | 25,000 |
Al-Wehda | Mecca | King Abdul Aziz Stadium | 38,000 |
Damac | Khamis Mushait | Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium | 20,000 |
1: ^ Al-Faisaly play their home games in Al Majma'ah.
2: ^ Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab also use Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium (22,500 seats) as a home stadium.
Personnel and kits
Team | Manager | Captain | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Abha | Abdulrazaq Al Shabi | Karim Aouadhi | Offside | Yelo, Vveyon, Mezaj Maghribi1, Saudi German Hospital1, ARASCO2 |
Al-Ahli | Vladan Milojević | Yasser Al-Mosailem | Xtep | Saudia, MG Cars, Almsakin Palace, Boga Super Foods2, Saudi German Hospital2 |
Al-Ain | Pablo Machín | Saeed Al-Qarni | Skillano | Gento |
Al-Batin | José Garrido | Mazyad Freeh | Skillano | Traof, AlNadeg1, Yelo1, ARASCO2, Maroom Medical Center2 |
Al-Ettifaq | Khaled Al-Atwi | Raïs M'Bolhi | Jako | Al Mattar, Mystery, Kammelna1, Innosoft2, Thouq2 |
Al-Faisaly | Péricles Chamusca | Igor Rossi | adidas | ALDREES, Gree Electric, Yelo1, Roco2, ARASCO2 |
Al-Fateh | Yannick Ferrera | Mohammed Al-Fuhaid | Offside | Kia Motors, Fuschia, Al Kifah Holding1, Almoosa Hospital1, ARASCO2 |
Al-Hilal | Răzvan Lucescu | Salman Al-Faraj | S Team | EMAAR, Jahez, Tawuniya1, Sayyar2, Shawarmer2 |
Al-Ittihad | Fábio Carille | Karim El Ahmadi | Tamim | Fakeeh2, Yelo2 |
Al-Nassr | Alen Horvat (caretaker) | Yahya Al-Shehri | Victory | Etihad Airways, Nejree1, Richy2, Naqi Water2 |
Al-Qadsiah | Yousef Al Mannai | Naif Hazazi | Puma | Almana Group of Hospital |
Al-Raed | Besnik Hasi | Hussain Al-Showaish | Challenge | Yelo, Address Cafe1, ARASCO2 |
Al-Shabab | Carlos Inarejos | Éver Banega | Xtep | Arkitainer, Bussma, Half Million, The Chefz, Nice One, Saudi German Hospital, Marvel Home1, Sanabel Alsalam1, Tact1, F6or Faris2, QAID2, 3days3, HealthZone3, The Real Burger3, Shawarma Classic3, Veloce3 |
Al-Taawoun | Patrice Carteron | Ahmed Assiri | Erreà | Al Odhaib1, ARASCO2 |
Al-Wehda | Ivo Vieira | Waleed Bakshween | Tamim | Lebs.com, QAID2 |
Damac | Krešimir Režić | Farouk Chafaï | GabyFox | Abu Zaid, Bin Thaliba1, Saudi German Hospital1, Bnoon2, Fazzah2, Superano3 |
- 1 On the back of the strip.
- 2 On the right sleeve of the strip.
- 3 On the shorts.
Managerial changes
Team | Outgoing manager | Manner of departure |
Date of vacancy | Position in table | Incoming manager | Date of appointment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Al-Wehda | Essa Al-Mehyani (caretaker) | End of caretaker spell | 9 September 2020 | Pre-season | Ivo Vieira | 10 September 2020[19] |
Al-Taawoun | Abdullah Asiri (caretaker) | 16 September 2020 | Patrice Carteron | 16 September 2020[20] | ||
Al-Ain | Al Habib Ben Ramadan | End of contract | 20 September 2020 | Bruno Baltazar | 2 October 2020[21] | |
Bruno Baltazar | Resigned | 12 October 2020[22] | Michael Skibbe | 12 October 2020[22] | ||
Al-Nassr | Rui Vitória | Mutual consent | 27 December 2020[23] | 15th | Alen Horvat (caretaker) | 27 December 2020[24] |
Damac | Noureddine Zekri | 4 January 2021[25] | 16th | Krešimir Režić | 12 January 2021[26] | |
Al-Shabab | Pedro Caixinha | Sacked | 5 January 2021[27] | 3rd | Carlos Inarejos | 5 January 2021[27] |
Al-Ain | Michael Skibbe | 28 January 2021[28] | 16th | Pablo Machín | 31 January 2021[29] | |
Foreign players
The policy of foreign players remained unchanged. Clubs can register a total of seven foreign players over the course of the season.[30]
Players name in bold indicates the player is registered during the mid-season transfer window.
League table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Al-Shabab | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 34 | 22 | +12 | 35 | Qualification for AFC Champions League group stage |
2 | Al-Ahli | 17 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 30 | 25 | +5 | 33 | |
3 | Al-Hilal | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 25 | 12 | +13 | 30 | Qualification for AFC Champions League play-off round |
4 | Al-Ittihad | 17 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 22 | 16 | +6 | 28 | |
5 | Al-Taawoun | 17 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 18 | 13 | +5 | 25 | |
6 | Al-Nassr | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 26 | 20 | +6 | 24 | |
7 | Al-Ettifaq | 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 26 | 26 | 0 | 24 | |
8 | Abha | 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 | 26 | −2 | 24 | |
9 | Al-Qadsiah | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 27 | −1 | 22 | |
10 | Al-Wehda | 17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 23 | 28 | −5 | 21 | |
11 | Al-Faisaly | 17 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 21 | −1 | 20 | |
12 | Al-Raed | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 23 | 27 | −4 | 19 | |
13 | Al-Fateh | 16 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 23 | 29 | −6 | 18 | |
14 | Al-Batin | 17 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 23 | 28 | −5 | 17 | Relegation to Prince Mohammad bin Salman League |
15 | Damac | 17 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 22 | 33 | −11 | 13 | |
16 | Al-Ain | 16 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 18 | 30 | −12 | 13 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Total goal difference; 5) Total goals scored; 6) Fair-play points (Note: Head-to-head record is used only after all the matches between the teams in question have been played).[31]
Positions by round
The following table lists the positions of teams after each week of matches. In order to preserve the chronological evolution, any postponed matches are not included to the round at which they were originally scheduled but added to the full round they were played immediately afterward. If a club from the Saudi Professional League wins the King Cup, they will qualify for the AFC Champions League, unless they have already qualified for it through their league position. In this case, an additional AFC Champions League group stage berth will be given to the 3rd placed team, and the AFC Champions League play-off round spot will be given to 4th.
Leader | |
2022 AFC Champions League group stage | |
2022 AFC Champions League play-off round | |
Relegation to 2021–22 MS League |
Results
Season statistics
- As of 6 February 2021
Top scorers
Rank | Player | Club | Goals[32] |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Carlos Strandberg | Abha | 10 |
Fabio Abreu | Al-Batin | ||
Hassan Al-Amri | Al-Qadsiah | ||
Emilio Zelaya | Damac | ||
Júlio Tavares | Al-Faisaly | ||
6 | Omar Al Somah | Al-Ahli | 9 |
Cristian Guanca | Al-Shabab | ||
Romarinho | Al-Ittihad | ||
9 | Bafétimbi Gomis | Al-Hilal | 8 |
10 | Karim El Berkaoui | Al-Raed | 7 |
Hat-tricks
Player | For | Against | Result | Date | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Omar Al Somah | Al-Ahli | Al-Ain | 4–3 (A) | 7 November 2020 | [33] |
Dimitri Petratos | Al-Wehda | Al-Batin | 3–2 (H) | 29 November 2020 | [34] |
Carlos Strandberg | Abha | Al-Ain | 4–2 (A) | 1 January 2021 | [35] |
Léandre Tawamba | Al-Taawoun | Damac | 3–1 (H) | 25 January 2021 | [36] |
Karim El Berkaoui4 | Al-Raed | Damac | 4–2 (H) | 31 January 2021 | [37] |
- Notes
(H) – Home; (A) – Away
4 Player scored 4 goals
Most assists
Rank | Player | Club | Assists[38] |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Abdullah Al-Hamdan | Al-Shabab | 8 |
2 | Saad Bguir | Abha | 7 |
3 | Youssef El Jebli | Al-Batin | 6 |
4 | Alexandru Mitriță | Al-Ahli | 5 |
Hussain Al-Eisa | Al-Wehda | ||
Stanley Ohawuchi | Al-Qadsiah | ||
Abdullah Al-Mogren | Al-Raed | ||
Saleh Al-Amri | Abha | ||
9 | Pity Martínez | Al-Nassr | 4 |
Mohammed Al-Sahli | Al-Raed | ||
Bafétimbi Gomis | Al-Hilal | ||
Clean sheets
Rank | Player | Club | Clean sheets[39] |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Cássio | Al-Taawoun | 7 |
2 | Abdullah Al-Mayouf | Al-Hilal | 5 |
3 | Brad Jones | Al-Nassr | 4 |
Marcelo Grohe | Al-Ittihad | ||
5 | Amin Al Bukhari | Al-Ain | 3 |
Azzedine Doukha | Al-Raed | ||
Abdullah Al-Owaishir | Al-Wehda | ||
Abdelali Mhamdi | Abha | ||
Mustafa Malayekah | Al-Faisaly | ||
10 | Abdullah Al-Jadaani | Al-Hilal | 2 |
Mohammed Al-Rubeai | Al-Ahli | ||
Maksym Koval | Al-Fateh | ||
Zaid Al-Bawardi | Al-Shabab | ||
Yasser Al-Mosailem | Al-Ahli | ||
Khalid Sharahili | Damac | ||
Attendances
Awards
Monthly awards
Month | Manager of the Month | Player of the Month | Goalkeeper of the Month | Rising Star of the Month | Reference | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manager | Club | Player | Club | Player | Club | Player | Club | ||
October | Yannick Ferrera | Al-Fateh | Éver Banega | Al-Shabab | Abdullah Al-Mayouf | Al-Hilal | Saud Abdulhamid | Al-Ittihad | [41] |
November | Răzvan Lucescu | Al-Hilal | Omar Al Somah | Al-Ahli | Amin Al Bukhari | Al-Ain | Abdulelah Al-Amri | Al-Nassr | [42] |
December | Khaled Al-Atwi | Al-Ettifaq | Naïm Sliti | Al-Ettifaq | Marcelo Grohe | Al-Ittihad | Saud Abdulhamid | Al-Ittihad | [43] |
January | Alen Horvat | Al-Nassr | Léandre Tawamba | Al-Taawoun | Cássio | Al-Taawoun | Abdullah Al-Hamdan | Al-Shabab | [44] |
Number of teams by region
Rank | Region | Number | Teams |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Eastern Province | 4 | Al-Batin, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Fateh and Al-Qadsiah |
Riyadh | Al-Faisaly, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab | ||
3 | Mecca | 3 | Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Wehda |
4 | Al-Qassim | 2 | Al-Raed and Al-Taawoun |
Asir | Abha and Damac | ||
6 | Al Bahah | 1 | Al-Ain |
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