BURAYDA, Saudi Arabia (Interstat) — Al Kholood opened its Saudi Pro League season with a 2-1 upset victory over Al Taawon on Saturday at Wolves Park.

The visitors defied pregame projections, which heavily favored Al Taawon. Defender Mohammed Waleed put Al Kholood ahead in the eighth minute before providing the assist on Gustavo Gouveia’s 23rd-minute goal for a 2-0 lead. Al Taawon’s Shaquille Pinas scored a second-half goal, but the home side could not complete the comeback.

The match featured 11 yellow cards. Al Kholood begins its league campaign with a win, while Al Taawon starts with a loss.