Roberto Firmino suffers embarrassing defeat as Liverpool hero part of major Saudi Arabia upset
Ex-Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino experienced an unexpected defeat in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The Brazilian international, who left the Reds in 2023 to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, was part of a shock loss.
Firmino had an illustrious eight-year stint with Liverpool after his transfer from Hoffenheim, during which he bagged six major trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League. Since his move, he has emerged as one of the key strikers for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Ahli faced off against Al Jandal in the King Cup of Champions fixture on Monday, but was handed a 2-1 defeat at home. Adbulluh Matuq and Yassine Amri netted goals for the visiting team, while summer recruit and ex-Brentford striker Ivan Toney managed to score what turned out to be a mere consolation.
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Firmino was on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes for Al Ahli, who currently sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League standings. Its opponent, Al Jandal, ranks 16th in the country's second-tier professional soccer league and delivered a surprise blow to one of the competition favorite.
Prior to its victory over Al Ahli on Monday night, Al Jandal had suffered losses in three of their first four league matches this season, although they did secure a 1-0 win over 11th-placed Ohod in their preceding league match.
Firmino, the former Liverpool ace, has turned out seven times for Al Ahli this season across all competitions, netting three goals, two of which came in the Saudi Pro League. The 32 year old will be looking to get back on the winning track when Al Ahli take on Al Qadisiyah this weekend, before a midweek trip to face Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League's second matchday.
Liverpool.com says: Firmino has struggled a bit having moved to Saudi Arabia and that should be a warning sign to other players thinking about going there. Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have all drawn interest from clubs in that division. The money is big but the buzz around the league and the quality of the competition is anything but.