Al-Hilal keep Ronaldo trophy-less in rich Saudi league

news banner image

Record-breaking Al-Hilal sealed their fourth Saudi Pro League title in five years on Saturday, extending Cristiano Ronaldo's wait for silverware in the big-spending competition.

6 months ago
Al-Hilal, who lost Neymar Junior to injury in October, beat bottom-placed Al-Hazm 4-1 to go an unbeatable 12 points clear of Ronaldo's Al-Nassr with three matches remaining.
The title seals a formidable campaign by Al-Hilal, who remain unbeaten in 31 league matches and put together a run of 34 consecutive wins in all competitions - a record for a top-flight team.
Jorge Jesus's Riyadh club have now secured bragging rights in the most anticipated Saudi season of all time, after Ronaldo's arrival in January last year triggered a flood of big-name arrivals.
Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez were among the veterans to up sticks for Saudi, the world's biggest oil exporter, on eye-watering contracts.
The 'Big Four' Saudi clubs - Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Benzema's Al-Ittihad and Mahrez's Al-Ahli - are all owned by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth vehicle that is driving Saudi's economic diversification from oil.
Al-Hilal will look to frustrate Ronaldo, 39, again when they take on city rivals Al Nassr in the King's Cup final on May 31.

Comments