Lovro Chelfi replaces Boulbina! (video)

Oct 21, 2026

The young Algerian-Croatian made his first professional start yesterday with Diriyah.

Wearing number 25, the player from FC Barcelona who arrived this summer in Saudi Arabia, was preferred over Algerian international Adil Boulbina to face Al Riyadh, managed by Victor Lekhal. This was only the second match for the Croatian U19 international.

The young winger quickly made his presence felt, first by taking a corner, followed by a volley from Wadi that was saved by Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan. A few minutes later, Chelfi cut in from the left flank and delivered a low cross, but Bodjan made another save.

Eventually, Diriyah took the lead thanks to Oscar Rodriguez in the 13th minute. Chelfi was well-positioned to convert the cross but ultimately let the Spaniard score. The player of Algerian descent was often overlooked by his teammates despite his calls for the ball.
Lovro Chelfi came close to scoring with a left-footed shot from a cross but it went just wide.

During the second half, twice it was Lekhal who had the chance to equalize with a beautiful volley and then a cross-shot, but the goalkeeper was well-positioned for the first, while the second just grazed the post!

Adil Boulbina came on in the 66th minute for Lovro Chelfi. Ten minutes later, he intercepted a ball and launched a counter-attack before setting up Diandy, who was just a bit short. In stoppage time, Boulbina first burst down the left wing to try to catch the goalkeeper off guard, before attempting to send another teammate through but to no avail.

Diriyah won 1-0, currently sitting 7th in the Saudi Pro League standings.

DZfoot