Can Al Ahli Saudi Delay Al Hilal’s March to the Saudi Pro League Title?
Al Hilal will travel to the King Abdullah Sports City Al Ahli on Monday, looking to open a 12-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
On their part, Al Ahli will look to get the win they need to keep pace with the fight for AFC Champions League qualifying spots on the table. The Royals sit just four points above Al Taawoun and just outside the AFC Champions League places.
Last time out, Al Ahli steamrolled Damac 4-1 in a shot to the arm in their fight to make it into the top three in the run-in. They got the win despite the sending off of Farouk Chafai, with Al Ahli’s four goals coming in a frenetic 25 minutes, with scorers including Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Firas Al Buraikan, and Ziyad Aljohani.
This match will present an acid test for the league leaders. Al Ahli have a solid home form. However, Al Ahli have not beaten Al Hilal in their last five meetings, losing three times and drawing twice.
Last time out, Jorge Jesus’s charges underscored why they are the unbeaten league leaders with a high-class performance in a 3-0 win over Al Taawoun.
Al Hilal’s winning run spans the last four outings, notching 10 goals and conceding just three times. This run also saw them book their place in the King’s Cup of Champions final against Al Nassr after they defeated the deposed champions Al Ittihad.
For Al Hilal, the clash against Al Ahli is another chance to underline their title credentials this season.
