The 2018–19 Saudi Second Division was the 43rd season of the Saudi Second Division since its establishment in 1996. Fixtures were released on 4 September 2018 and the opening round of matches was played on 19 October 2018.[1] The league season ended on 13 April 2019 with the final.
On 13 April 2019, Hetten defeated Al-Bukayriyah 1–0 in the final to win their first title.[2]
Overview
Changes
On 7 March 2018, the Saudi FF announced that the league would be increased from 20 teams to 24 teams, divided into 2 groups of 12 teams.[3]
Team changes
A total of 24 teams are contesting the league, including 9 sides from the 2017–18 season, 1 relegated team from the MS League, 10 promoted teams from the 2017–18 Third Division, and four winners from the 2017–18 relegation playoffs.
The following teams have changed division since the 2017–18 season
Updated to match(es) played on 6 April 2019. Source: Goalzz Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-Head points; 3) Head-to-Head goal difference; 4) Total goal difference; 5) Total goals scored; 6) Play-off (only for deciding champion, promotion and relegation).[4][5] (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Updated to match(es) played on 5 April 2019. Source: Goalzz Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-Head points; 3) Head-to-Head goal difference; 4) Total goal difference; 5) Total goals scored; 6) Play-off (only for deciding champion, promotion and relegation).[4][5] (C) Champions; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^ abArar finished ahead of Afif on overall goal difference: Arar −2, Afif −11 (Arar 3–1 Afif, Afif 2–0 Arar).
Third place play-off
Al-Taqadom, who finished 2nd in Group A faced Al-Thoqbah who finished 2nd in Group B to decide the third-placed team.[6] Al-Thoqbah defeated Al-Taqadom 3–1 after extra time to finish in third place.
The winners of each group will play a one-legged final to decide the champion of the 2018–19 Second Division. As winners of Group A, Al-Bukayriyah faced Hetten, the winners of Group B. The match was scheduled to be played on 12 April 2019, but was abandoned after 32 minutes due to heavy snowfall. Hetten won the match 1–0 and won their first ever Second Division title.[7]