Al-Hilal Seeks to Regain Top Spot from Al-Qadsiah
Al-Hilal aims to defeat Al-Qadsiah to regain the league lead, while Al-Nassr seeks to close in on the top position.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Riyadh (AFP) - Al Hilal seek to regain the top spot in the Saudi Pro League when they host league leaders Al Qadsiah on Friday in the 11th round, while defending champions Al Nassr are poised to close the gap on first place depending on the outcome.
Al Hilal, who have a match in hand, aim for a ninth victory to reclaim the summit from Al Qadsiah, who currently lead them by a single point. Their Italian coach, Simone Inzaghi, said after a late 1-0 win over Al Hazem: “We will travel to Dammam to face Al Qadsiah, and we will likely remain there before departing for Doha to play in the AFC Champions League Elite.”
The “Emir” (Al Hilal) failed to defeat Al Qadsiah in their last two encounters, drawing 2-2 in both legs last season.
Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, host Qatari side Al Sadd on Monday, hoping for a second consecutive victory against a team that has not tasted success in their last four matches across all competitions.
Al Nassr, on the other hand, target a fourth straight win in all competitions after a narrow 1-0 victory over Neom on Tuesday, a match in which their Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before the winning goal.
If they defeat host Al Fayha, Al Nassr will move to the top of the table regardless of the result between Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal, as they trail the current leaders by just three points.
Al Nassr previously thrashed Al Fayha 4-0 in their last meeting, while Al Fayha have won only once in their last ten matches across all competitions.
Ronaldo will play alongside his teammates against UAE side Al Wasl in the third round of the Champions League, seeking a second consecutive victory against a side that has yet to earn any points.
Al Ittihad host Al Diriyah tomorrow, while Neom face Abha, Al Khaleej play Al Ettifaq, and Al Raed take on Al Taawoun on Saturday.
