Saudi Roshan League: A battle for promotion and relegation among the giants

Saudi Roshan League: A battle for promotion and relegation among the giants

January 6, 2026
7 mins read
An analytical reading of the Saudi Professional League (SPL) reveals that the clubs' performances are likened to the movement of an airplane. Learn about the positions of Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Shabab in the title race and the relegation battle.

In a touching display of humanity, blending medicine and sports, we drew inspiration for this technical analysis of the Saudi Roshan League from the story of the esteemed Mr. Hamoud Al-Zaidi, a retired pilot and prominent figure in Al-Rass Governorate, who was receiving treatment under the supervision of a colorectal surgery team. Our morning conversations with Captain Hamoud were like lectures on clarity and experience, and inspired by his aeronautical terminology, we can describe the current competitive landscape of the Saudi League as a continuous journey of "takeoff and landing."

Al-Hilal: Queen of the Sky and Solo Flight

When discussing Al-Hilal, the comparison to a Boeing 747, or the "Queen of the Skies," immediately springs to mind. The club has soared to the top of the league standings after a series of matches, achieving an enviable level of performance. However, despite this successful start, Al-Hilal's supporters remain cautiously optimistic. These fans, known for their boundless ambition, are not satisfied with mere statistics and results; they yearn for the entertaining and creative football they have come to expect over the past decade.

Victory: Air turbulence and an emergency landing

In contrast, Al-Nassr appeared like a giant Airbus A380 (super jumbo jet) that recently faced circumstances requiring an emergency landing. After soaring to the top of the table for over ten rounds, their performance declined noticeably. While some attribute this to the pressure of matches and the short rest period (48 hours), this excuse may not be acceptable in the world of professional football, where top players are accustomed to handling the pressures of overlapping competitions.

Mid-table and bottom-ranked struggles

The ups and downs were not limited to the two Riyadh giants, but extended to the rest of the teams. Al-Fateh soared like a TriStar jet, distancing itself from the relegation zone and playing entertaining football, while Al-Ahli, Al-Qadisiyah, and Al-Ittihad entered the fray with varying results. The most painful fall, however, was that of Al-Shabab, whose alarming decline in results has placed them dangerously close to the relegation zone, necessitating urgent intervention to get back on track.

The lesson is in the endings: Round 34

In conclusion, it must be emphasized that the Saudi League is a long and arduous competition. Leading the pack in the early or middle rounds is like flying a short-haul plane—a fleeting joy that may not last. The real test lies in reaching round 34, where the top spot becomes a safe and successful landing, like a Dreamliner (Boeing 787) laden with gold. Until then, our league will continue its exciting ups and downs.

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