Ronaldo Targets Al-Hilal Dominance in Saudi Pro League

Ronaldo Targets Al-Hilal Dominance in Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia has sparked a surge of excitement in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr aiming to dethrone reigning champions Al-Hilal. Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, has yet to lift a domestic trophy with the club.

Al-Hilal dominated last season, winning the title with an impressive record of 31 wins and three draws, finishing 14 points clear of Al-Nassr. The Riyadh rivals faced off in the Saudi Super Cup final last weekend, with Al-Hilal emerging victorious 4-1.

Despite the setback, Ronaldo remains determined to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal’s dominance. “New season, same goal,” he wrote in a social media post.

Al-Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledges the challenge ahead. “This season is going to be very difficult,” he said. “Last year, it was a tough championship, but we managed to come out on top. This year, all the teams will be gunning to beat Al Hilal.”

Last summer, Saudi Arabia witnessed an influx of high-profile players from Europe’s top leagues, including Ronaldo. This summer has been quieter, but the transfer window remains open until September 2.

For Al-Hilal, the return of Neymar from injury will be a major boost. The Brazilian superstar made only five appearances before sustaining a knee injury in October. “Neymar’s return is highly anticipated by our players,” said Koulibaly. “He still has this motivation when we see him in training.”

Al-Nassr has also made significant signings, including Brazilian goalkeeper Bento and Senegalese star Sadio Mane. Other challengers include Al-Ahli, led by Riyad Mahrez, and Al-Ittihad, which has acquired French winger Moussa Diaby.

The Saudi Pro League kicks off on Thursday, with all four clubs aiming to improve the average attendance of just over 8,000 per game last season. Al-Hilal also has international ambitions, representing Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup in June.

Ronaldo's Frustration Boils Over After Al-Nassr's Super Cup Defeat

Ronaldo’s Frustration Boils Over After Al-Nassr’s Super Cup Defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration boiled over after Al-Nassr’s 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final. Despite scoring the opening goal, Ronaldo’s team collapsed in the second half, conceding four goals in quick succession.

Aleksandar Mitrovic led the comeback for Al-Hilal, scoring twice in six minutes, while Malcom added a fourth to seal the victory. Al-Hilal fans taunted Ronaldo with chants of “Messi,” further fueling the rivalry between the two football legends.

Ronaldo’s anger was evident throughout the match, with cameras capturing him gesturing towards his teammates. After the final whistle, he refused to collect his runner-up medal, heading straight to the locker room.

This incident has sparked discussions about Ronaldo’s temperament and the pressure he faces in his second season with Al-Nassr. Former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Louis Saha believe Ronaldo has the potential to become a successful manager, citing his energy, passion, and experience.

Ronaldo’s frustration may stem from his desire to continue playing at a high level. Ferdinand believes he will play for at least three more years, while Saha suggests he could transition into a managerial role.

Despite his disappointment, Ronaldo remains a respected figure in the football world. His work ethic and determination have inspired many, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.

Ronaldo's Frustration Boils Over as Al Nassr Thrashed by Al Hilal

Ronaldo’s Frustration Boils Over as Al Nassr Thrashed by Al Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian adventure has hit a roadblock as his Al Nassr side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Al Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup on Saturday. The Portuguese superstar, who joined Al Nassr in January with much fanfare, has yet to win a domestic trophy in the Middle Eastern nation.

Ronaldo’s frustration was evident throughout the match, particularly after Al Hilal’s fourth goal. Social media footage captured the 38-year-old throwing his arms up in exasperation, gesturing that his teammates were “asleep” and making another controversial gesture.

Al Nassr had taken the lead through Ronaldo’s goal just before halftime, but Al Hilal staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalized in the 53rd minute, followed by a brace from Aleksandar Mitrovic in the 61st and 64th minutes. Malcolm added the icing on the cake in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on an error from Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento.

“We showed how good we are in the second half,” said Mitrovic after the match. “We had some problems in the first half and then changed in the second. We stayed calm and it feels good to get a trophy at the start of the season.”

Ronaldo’s gestures towards his teammates have sparked controversy, with some criticizing his lack of leadership and others defending his frustration. The defeat leaves Al Nassr without a trophy this season and raises questions about Ronaldo’s impact on the team.

Al Hilal Crowned Saudi Pro League Champions, Ronaldo's Silverware Wait Continues

Al Hilal Crowned Saudi Pro League Champions, Ronaldo’s Silverware Wait Continues

Al Hilal Clinches Fourth Saudi Pro League Title in Five Years, Extends Ronaldo’s Silverware Drought

Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Hilal has secured its fourth Saudi Pro League title in the past five years, extending Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for silverware in the lucrative competition. The Riyadh-based club sealed the championship with a resounding 4-1 victory over bottom-placed Al Hazm on Saturday, putting them an unassailable 12 points clear of Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with just three matches remaining.

Al Hilal’s triumph marks a remarkable campaign, as they remain unbeaten in 31 league matches and have amassed a record-breaking 34 consecutive wins in all competitions for a top-flight team. The title victory solidifies Al Hilal’s dominance in Saudi football, further cementing their status as the most successful club in the country.

The title race had been highly anticipated due to the arrival of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr in January 2023. However, Al Hilal’s consistent performances and unwavering determination proved too much for Ronaldo and his team.

Al Hilal’s success is a testament to the club’s astute management and the brilliance of their Portuguese manager, Jorge Jesus. The club has assembled a formidable squad, boasting a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents.

The Saudi Pro League has witnessed an influx of high-profile players in recent years, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez. These players have been lured by lucrative contracts offered by the Saudi clubs, which are owned by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth vehicle driving Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification.

Despite the star power at Al Nassr, Al Hilal’s unwavering focus and collective spirit have propelled them to the title. The club will now look to maintain their dominance and add to their trophy cabinet in the years to come.

Fan Assaults Al-Ittihad Player with Whip After Saudi Super Cup Final

Fan Assaults Al-Ittihad Player with Whip After Saudi Super Cup Final

Fan Assaults Al-Ittihad Player with Whip After Saudi Super Cup Final

During the Saudi Super Cup final on Thursday night, a shocking incident occurred when a fan attacked Al-Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah with a whip. The incident took place moments after the match, which saw Al-Ittihad lose 4-1 to Al-Hilal at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

A video circulating on social media shows Hamdallah throwing water from a bottle at the fan, who retaliated by pulling out a long whip and lashing at the Moroccan international twice. The second lash appeared to hit Hamdallah’s back, but the 33-year-old did not appear to be injured.

As Hamdallah’s teammates intervened, the fan was guided away by another spectator and a security official. However, the video suggests that the fan was not detained. A young fan in a wheelchair was nearly caught in the crossfire of the altercation.

The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from the football community. Al-Ittihad has not yet responded to a request for comment. Hamdallah, who played for Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semifinals, is in his sixth season in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Super Cup was expanded in 2023 to include the runners-up from both the league and King’s Cup competitions. It was also moved to Abu Dhabi.

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal has etched its name in football history by setting a new world record for consecutive victories. The Riyadh-based club extended its winning streak to an astonishing 28 matches, surpassing the previous record of 27 held by Welsh team The New Saints.

Al Hilal’s remarkable run culminated in a 2-0 triumph over fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. The victory propelled them into the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate score.

The match was a tense affair, with Al Ittihad posing a significant threat despite missing key players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, Al Hilal’s resilience and attacking prowess proved too much for their opponents.

Yasser Al Shahrani broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a pass from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Brazilian forward Malcom sealed the victory deep into injury time, securing a memorable night for the Riyadh giants.

Al Hilal’s dominance has been evident throughout their Champions League campaign, as they have won their last nine matches. They are also the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy four times.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ulsan also advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Jeonbuk Motors. Seol Young-woo’s first-half volley proved decisive in a tense encounter between the two K-League powerhouses.

Ulsan’s victory brings them closer to a place in next year’s expanded Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams in the United States. They will face either Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos or China’s Shandong Taishan in the semi-finals.

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