Mid-Season Review of the Race For The Saudi Pro League Title With Al Hilal and Al Nassr in Contention
The 2023/24 season has been action-packed so far. Heading into the second half of the season, we look at how the title race is shaping up and whether Al Nassr has any chance of catching up with the well-oiled machine that is Al Hilal.
At the beginning of the season, Al Hilal suffered a tragedy with their marquee player, Neymar. The expectations were that they would have an underwhelming season, but the team has galvanized together, and the players have stepped up. Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic already has 17 goals to his name, and less-known names like Salem Al-Dawsari have been phenomenal. Al Hilal stands at 53 points with a 50-goal difference, 7 points clear of second-placed Al Nassr.
Al Nassr stumbled at the beginning of the season, but manager Luis Castro steadied the ship and got the best of Sadio Mane, Talisca, and Cristiano Ronaldo combining in attack.
The additions of Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic have given the team the well-needed solidity in defense. The team has had questions about the title credentials with the 3-0 loss to Al Hilal in December and the recent 2-0 defeat to the same opposition in the Cup competition. Al Nassr must remain consistent and hope for an Al Hilal slip to catch up with the leaders, who are 7 points ahead of Al Nassr’s 46.
