Saved Penalty and an Outstanding Performance Against Al-Orubah

Goalkeeper Marek Rodák was the key figure in yesterday's match between Al-Orubah and Al-Ettifaq, played on March 8, 2025, as part of the 24th round of the Saudi Pro League. Marek’s Al-Ettifaq secured an important 2-1 victory, but the crucial moment of the match came in the 17th minute when the Slovak goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny a penalty kick.

Al-Ettifaq started the match actively, creating several chances in the opening minutes. However, in the 17th minute, the visiting Al-Orubah had a golden opportunity to equalize when the referee awarded a penalty following a foul by defender Khateeb. Al-Somah stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Marek Rodák remained calm and pulled off a fantastic save! This moment proved to be decisive as it kept his team level.

In the 39th minute, Al-Ettifaq took the lead after an effort by Georginio Wijnaldum. His shot couldn’t be cleared properly by the Al-Orubah defenders, and after a clumsy deflection, the ball crossed the goal line. Al-Ettifaq went into halftime with a narrow lead.

In the second half, the home team increased the pressure and won another penalty in the 70th minute due to a handball in the box. This time, Marek had no chance against Al-Somah’s powerful strike, and Al-Orubah equalized 1-1.

The game was an end-to-end battle. In the 79th minute, Al-Ettifaq won a free kick. A well-curved cross found Medran’s head, who secured a 2-1 victory for Al-Ettifaq. In the closing minutes, the home team tried to respond, but they never seriously threatened Rodák’s goal.

Marek faced only two shots on target in this match – both penalties. He managed to save one of them. His performance was praised by the coach, teammates, and fans on the club’s social media.

Photo: FB Al-Ettifaq, FB SPL

Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MqzAMYq6X8