RIYADH — Al Hilal, the frontrunners in the Saudi Professional League, have made history in world football by securing their 29th consecutive victory, surpassing the previous global record for top-tier teams. This remarkable achievement was sealed with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against Damac at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, reaffirming their commanding 12-point lead in the league standings.
Jorge Jesus, the manager of Al Hilal, emphatically dismissed any attempts to downplay the significance of this milestone, labeling such remarks as "the excuses of the losers." The victory against Damac held particular significance as it appeared the match might end in a draw until Michael's late header secured the win for Al Hilal. According to Jesus, this victory highlighted Al Hilal's superior tactical acumen, technical prowess, and collective strength.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Damac's Dhari Al Anazi's dismissal for a foul against Michael, Jesus defended the decision, stating that it had no direct impact on the match's outcome since Al Hilal was already on course for victory. He attributed Al Hilal's success to the team's collective effort and the unwavering support from their devoted fans.
Despite Damac's defeat, their manager, Cosmin Contra, acknowledged the positive aspects of his team's performance, applauding their ability to compete fiercely in the Saudi league despite operating on a modest budget.
