After a long, challenging six months of waiting, Roberto Firmino finally found the back of the net again. Yet, his moment of triumph was bittersweet, as his team, Al-Ahli, faced their first defeat since the golden leaves of October had fallen.
Playing under the bright lights on Friday night, Firmino, the heart and soul of his team, took his place as captain and led his squad into battle against Al-Okhdood. Despite his efforts, including scoring a crucial penalty, the match ended in a 3-2 defeat for Al-Ahli as the Saudi Pro League roared back to life after a mid-season pause. There he was, having played every minute, but unable to steer his team clear of the rocks, halting their impressive eight-game unbeaten voyage.
Roberto Firmino got back among the goals for Al Ahli this evening ⚽🇧🇷
#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/VrEaQeml17— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) February 16, 2024
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Firmino’s dry spell for 18 games
Remember, this is the same Firmino who, upon his summer arrival, dazzled fans with a hat-trick in his very first game, a stunning debut that whispered promises of glory. Yet, as the season unfolded, those whispers turned to silence, with Firmino not finding the net again in the next 18 matches.
Bobby 1️⃣
Bobby 2️⃣
Bobby 3️⃣
Firmino steals the show on his debut 🔥💚#AHLIFC ⚽️#الأهلي_الحزم#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/BCZpA0kiSA— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) August 12, 2023
October brought a twist in the tale, with a loss to league-leaders Al-Hilal. Firmino found himself on the sidelines, his captain’s armband passed to another. In his absence, the team surged without him, embarking on an unbeaten run, a paradox that left fans puzzled and whispers of discontent brewing.
Enter Firas Al-Buraikan, a rising star who filled the void left by Firmino, dazzling with goals and assists, and lifting Al-Ahli to new heights. Meanwhile, rumors swirled around Firmino, linking him with a return to the Premier League rumors swirled around Firmino, linking him with a return to the Premier League, a move that never came to fruition. Through it all, Firmino remained with Al-Ahli, committed, despite the storm of speculation.
Then came the match against Al-Okhdood, a rollercoaster of emotions, with Firmino’s penalty bringing hope, only for it to be dashed as Al-Okhdood clinched victory. Despite the loss, Al-Ahli’s quest continues, with eyes set on the next challenge, and Firmino, once again, at the heart of the story, his goal a beacon in the night, a sign of potential rebirth as the season’s second act unfolds.
