Al-Hilal's first football team continued its impressive winning streak, achieving a valuable and hard-fought victory over Neom with a score of two goals to one, in the strong match that brought the two teams together as part of the sixteenth round of the Roshan Professional League competition, which was held at Neom Stadium amidst a large crowd.
In a detailed technical analysis of the match, renowned analyst Ahmed Afifi, speaking on the "Thamania" platform, highlighted subtle tactical details that had escaped many, revealing the key figure behind Al-Hilal's superior performance. Afifi asserted that the primary reason for Al-Hilal's victory was Italian Massimiliano Cesararo , the set-piece specialist on the club's coaching staff.
Chirazaro's tactical fingerprint
In his analysis, Afifi pointed out that Chirazaro's influence was clearly evident throughout the match, as Al-Hilal effectively exploited set pieces to unlock Neom's compact defense. This impact was clearly demonstrated in the goal scored by international defender Hassan Tambakti, which resulted from a well-executed tactical play, as well as the perfect handling of the penalty kick converted by Portuguese star Ruben Neves, thus highlighting the importance of specialization in modern football.
The importance of set pieces in deciding the league
This analysis highlights a qualitative leap in Saudi football, where the focus is no longer solely on individual player skills. Technical staffs now include specialists in the finer details of the game, such as throw-ins, corner kicks, and free kicks. Set pieces are a lethal weapon for teams aiming for championships, especially in tight matches where penetration from the center or flanks is difficult. Al-Hilal demonstrated this in this round, confirming that the behind-the-scenes technical work is just as important as the performances of the stars on the pitch.
Al-Hilal soars alone at the top of the standings
With this strategic victory, Al-Hilal raised its points tally to 41, strengthening its position at the top of the Roshan Professional League standings and steadily continuing its title defense. This impressive points total reflects the technical and administrative stability enjoyed by "The Leader" (Al-Hilal's nickname), and its ability to overcome obstacles, whether from strong rival teams or difficult away matches, thus solidifying its status as the strongest contender for the title this season amidst the fierce competition.
