In an exciting development in the race for the Saudi Professional League title, Saudi goalkeeping legend and former Al-Hilal player, Mohammed Al-Deayea, sent a strongly worded warning message to the fans and management of Al-Nassr club, following the team's unexpected stumble against Al-Ahli in the thirteenth round.
Al-Nassr suffered their first defeat of the season in a dramatic match at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, falling 3-2 to Al-Ahli, leaving them with 31 points. Despite remaining temporarily at the top of the table, this setback opened the door wide for their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, to seize the lead.
In televised remarks, Al-Da'ayee emphasized that Al-Nassr's loss was not merely a temporary setback, but rather a "precious gift" that Al-Hilal would not refuse. The former world's most capped player pointed out that "The Leader" (Al-Hilal) possesses a winning mentality and stamina, and when given the opportunity to take sole possession of the top spot, it rarely squanders it, especially since the points difference could completely disappear and shift in Al-Hilal's favor if they win their postponed match.
The top spot and Al-Hilal's golden opportunity
: In numerical terms, Al-Hilal (29 points) is in an ideal tactical position. A victory in the anticipated match against Damac on Sunday evening will raise their tally to 32 points, officially securing them the top spot, one point ahead of Al-Nassr. This scenario is familiar in the history of the Saudi League, where crucial rounds often witness a change in positions between the two Riyadh giants. However, Al-Hilal's historical ability to maintain their lead once they reach it is a major concern for their rivals.
Al-Ahli's return and its impact on the competition:
On the other hand, the role Al-Ahli played in reshaping the competitive landscape cannot be overlooked. By reaching 25 points and securing fourth place, "Al-Raqui" (as the club is nicknamed) proved to be a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating that the Saudi league is no longer the exclusive domain of one or two teams. This victory reflects the intense competition in the Roshan League, where the top clubs are now capable of disrupting each other's progress, adding significant excitement to the remaining rounds and making it premature to predict the champion.
Al-Da’ayee concluded his remarks by pointing out that the psychological pressure has now shifted to Al-Nasr camp, which is now required to avoid losing more points, while Al-Hilal enters the match against Damac with high morale and a strong desire to regain its favorite position at the top of the standings.
