Brendan Rodgers’ impressive start at Al-Qadsiah came to a halt after a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Al-Ettifaq, with two of his former Celtic signings playing key roles in his first setback in Saudi Arabia…
لاعبو @Alqadsiah في ملعب المباراة 📍#دوري_روشن_السعودي | #ديربي_الشرقية pic.twitter.com/EbpsHoJUMp
— دوري روشن السعودي (@SPL) April 5, 2026
The former Hoops boss had guided his side into an unexpected title push prior to the international break, extending an impressive unbeaten run to 17 matches with a victory over Al-Ahli. That form had put Qadsiah in contention alongside Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
But their momentum was checked by a 3-2 loss to Al-Ettifaq, a result that leaves them trailing in the title race and sitting in fourth place.
The match saw familiar faces come back to haunt Rodgers, as Jack Hendry levelled the game after Julián Quiñones had opened the scoring, before Moussa Dembele put the hosts ahead.
Moussa Dembele of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Celtic FC and Manchester City FC at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Georginio Wijnaldum then added a third to strengthen Al-Ettifaq’s grip on the contest, and although Quiñones grabbed a late goal, it was not enough to spark a comeback.
The defeat arrives shortly after Rodgers was linked with the Saudi Arabia national team job ahead of this summer’s World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico.
Addressing the reports, Rodgers said as reported on The Celtic Star over the weekend: “I have no comment on this matter. I am committed to my contract and working with Al-Qadsiah and I look forward to giving my all in the coming period. I believe that the Saudi national team is capable of delivering a strong tournament.”
“They have a distinguished group of players along with highly experienced coaching staff, which gives me great confidence in their ability to perform admirably and deliver outstanding performances during the World Cup competition.”
Brendan Rodgers, photo Al Qadsiah Saudi Club
@AlQadsiahEN
Rodgers’ men are back in action on Thursday against relegation-threatened Damac and it’s a chance for his side to regain momentum and try chase Al Ahli in third who occupy those crucial AFC Champions League Elite spots.
Conor Spence
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