AL-HILAL’s hopes of winning the Saudi Pro League title took a huge blow on Monday. They didn’t manage to find a victory and had to be content with a 2-2 draw against Al-Shabab. That draws immediate threats to Al-Hilal’s title hopes. In the process, their closest rivals Al-Ittihad make more of a valuable opportunity and fight their way back into contention at the top of the league. Last week, Al-Hilal pulled the deficit down to just four points. The way they’ve played lately has even raised questions about whether they’ll be able to make another deep run this season.
On the pitch, Al-Hilal showed the same ferocity of spirit in the last few minutes as they threw everything forward looking for an extra-time-winning goal. Their efforts came up empty as they found it difficult to take advantage of key chances. Notably, Malcom’s weak shot during stoppage time and Mitrovic’s header that struck the crossbar exemplified the team’s inability to secure a victory. Al-Hilal didn’t press from the start, saving that lively, aggressive rebuttal for the second half. They couldn’t capitalize and convert their opportunities into goals.
Pressure Mounts on Al-Hilal
All of that means that the draw with Al-Shabab has ramped up the pressure on Al-Hilal’s first-place title prospects. With days to go in the legislative session, the team’s hopes of keeping the championship are quickly fading. As their performance keeps getting worse, the spotlight intensifies. To say, as some analysts have, that the team’s proclivity for collapses in the final minutes of matches became a worrying trend is an understatement.
And here’s where the lack of killer edge came into clear view, most prominently on this brilliant counterattack from Al-Hilal. The missed opportunities meant that Al-Shabab were able to keep their momentum and just in the end, deny Al-Hilal an important three points. For Al-Hilal, the stakes are suddenly high. As a result, every game is important as they look to regain the crown they lost last season.
Al-Ittihad Capitalizes on Opportunity
At the same time, Al-Ittihad is ready to pounce on the slightest misstep from Al-Hilal. The draw allows Al-Ittihad to potentially take the top spot in their next match. Or they can build on their current edge as the season plays out. They have a wonderful opportunity to push on now and cement their own title challenge.
As the league nears its dramatic conclusion, the race grows starker. Interpretation Al-Ittihad’s players are surely inspired by the recent harsh treatment meted out to Al-Hilal, looking to punish any more mistakes. Al-Hilal are under enormous pressure to bounce back. They need to rediscover it somewhere, and fast, if they’re to stay in the hunt for the title.
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