Steven Gerrard achieves uncommon Saudi success after considered one of worst panenka pens ever

Steven Gerrard was lastly capable of rejoice a victory – of types – as Al-Ettifaq benefitted from an terrible panenka try.

Aside from his blooming financial institution steadiness, which has been given an extra enhance after he signed a brand new contract, there’s been little to rejoice for Liverpool legend Gerrard since his change to the Middle East final summer time. His facet are and not using a Saudi Pro League win since October.

And he this week noticed former Reds team-mate and marquee signing Jordan Henderson depart after simply six months, terminating his two-year contract to hitch Ajax. But the illustrious *checks notes” Al Wahda International Friendly Tournament has supplied some respite.

READ MORE: Saudi endure one other soccer blow as enormous star admits ‘plenty of gamers are dissatisfied’

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard agrees baffling new Al Ettifaq contract regardless of one win in final 13 video games

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With the Saudi league at the moment on a six-week winter break, Ettifaq took half within the four-team competitors. And they bought off to a profitable begin towards Qatar’s Umm Salal Sport Club.

But they as soon as once more could not get the job completed within the 90 minutes. Despite the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray and Moussa Dembele beginning, it was 1-1 come the full-time whistle.

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It went straight to penalties, with the primary 9 takers all changing their spot kicks. Salal’s closing participant subsequently needed to rating, bizarrely opting to strive a panenka – the dinked effort named after the Czech Republic’s Euro 1976 hero Antonin Panenka.

Ettifaq back-up goalkeeper Amin Al Bukhari halted his dive to the proper and managed to comfortably cease the flop of an effort, giving the taker a commiseratory handshake earlier than celebrating together with his team-mates.

They’ll now face the winner of Al-Wahda and Zamalek Sporting Club within the closing on Wednesday (January 24) as they step up their preparations for the resumption of their home schedule.

Henderson has left them sitting eighth within the 18-team desk, a mega 28 factors behind leaders Al-Hilal. They’re solely eight off the relegation zone within the lopsided league.