DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia (Interstat) — NEOM SC opened its Pro League season with a 1-0 road victory over Al Khaleej on Saturday, defying projections after an early red card changed the match.

Playing at Prince Mohammed bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz Stadium, the visitors seized advantage after Al Khaleej’s Dimitrios Kourmpelis was sent off in the 15th minute. NEOM SC capitalized with a solitary goal, securing the win despite four total yellow cards being issued in a tense second half.

The result was an upset; statistical models heavily favored Al Khaleej to win. NEOM SC begins the campaign 1-0, while Al Khaleej starts 0-1.