Late Equalizer, Early Red Card: How Atangan Ignited Al-Ahli’s Comeback in a Saudi Pro League Thriller
19 February 2026
Match recap
French midfielder Valentin Atangan delivered a standout performance that helped rescue Al-Ahli from an early setback against Al-Najma in the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ahli hosted Al-Najma at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, as round 23 of the league unfolded.
Turning points
Al-Najma, bottom of the table, went into halftime with a surprising 1-0 lead, a deficit that Atangan would soon erase.
The Frenchman equalized in the 48th minute, turning Riyad Mahrez's cross into the net, before a clash with Al-Najma defender led to an injury and a notable red-card moment.
Moments later, in the 58th minute, Atangan's involvement sparked a sequence that saw Filip Cardozo receive a second yellow and be sent off.
With the hosts now a man up, Al-Ahli seized control and edged ahead, completing the comeback.
