After eight seasons and a total of 362 games and 111 goals for Liverpool, striker Roberto Firmino was one of the international football stars to follow the path of a new and heated football market. And, this Friday, right in the opening game of the Saudi League, the Brazilian, number 10 and captain, justified the millionaire transfer and made a beautiful business card in Al-Ahli’s 3-1 victory over Al-Hazem , with the right to hat-trick, the third of his career.
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, in Jeddah, Firmino’s new home, was packed, and the fans threw a beautiful party for the new team, which, in addition to the Brazilian striker, gained other great reinforcements, such as goalkeeper Mendy, formerChelseaand striker Mahrez, formerManchester City. In ten minutes of play, the team already reciprocated with two goals, both in crosses from the right. First with Ali Majrashi and then with Mahrez. Well placed, Firmino just pushed for the nets.
Bobby 🤩#AHLIFC ⚽️#Al-Ahly _ Al-Hazm #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/R1NBeTAbn2
— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) August 11, 2023
Al-Ahli slowed down and, shortly after the break, at 5 minutes, another Brazilian appeared. In the fault of Mendy, who played wrong, the ball landed at the foot of Vina, formerCeará e Guild, who took a precise shot, covered the goalkeeper and reduced it to Al Hazem. But it really was Firmino’s day, who, at 27 minutes, received a cross from the left, kicked, the goalkeeper rebounded and, in the spare, gave final numbers to the match.
A fine calling card from a player with a keen flair, now with a total of 193 career goals. Firmino had only scored two hat-tricks, both with a Liverpool shirt and for Premier League. The first of them in the 5-1 rout over Arsenalin 2018, and the other in a new rout, this time by 5-0, over Watford, in 2021. At the end of today’s game, happiness for starting a new stage in such a positive and promising way.
“Everything is different for me. There were eight years of Liverpool and 12 of European football. I want to be one more to help the development of the Saudi League and make it even stronger. And I’m happy to be able to score three goals and help my team right away in the debut. May we continue to play good games and bring this happiness to the fans, who filled the stadium and had a fantastic party”, said Firmino, who reached 625 matches in his career.
Al-Ahli returns to the field next Thursday (17/08), when they will face Al-Khaleej, away from home.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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