Al-Ahli defeats Al-Hazm 2-0 and jumps to second place in the Saudi Professional League
Al-Ahli's first football team continued their strong performances and impressive winning streak in the Saudi Professional League, securing a valuable and well-deserved 2-0 victory over their guests, Al-Hazm. The exciting match took place this evening at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah (The Shining Jewel), as part of the 21st round of the competition, amidst a large crowd that supported Al-Ahli throughout the game.
Match details and goal scenarios
The match saw Al-Ahli enjoy relative control, with the home side attempting to break down Al-Hazm's defensive formation from the opening minutes. After a cautious and closely contested first half, Al-Ahli managed to unlock the visitors' defense in the second half. The opening goal came in the 57th minute courtesy of star player Ivan Toni, who expertly capitalized on the opportunity to put his team ahead and ignite the crowd's enthusiasm.
Al-Ahli’s attempts did not stop there, but continued to press to strengthen the result and secure the three points, which was achieved in the (76) minute, but with friendly fire, as Al-Hazm player Sultan Tanker scored an own goal, making the task difficult for his team and giving Al-Ahli a great advantage in the remaining minutes of the match.
The two teams' positions in the standings
With this crucial victory, Al-Ahli raised their points tally to 47, temporarily climbing to second place in the Saudi Professional League standings. This win intensifies the competition for the top spots and underscores their strong desire to secure a place in Asian competitions and challenge for the title. Conversely, this loss compounded Al-Hazm's woes, leaving them stuck on 21 points and temporarily in twelfth place. This precarious position necessitates a reassessment of their strategy in the upcoming rounds to escape the relegation zone.
The context of the competition and the importance of winning
This match takes on special significance in the context of the Saudi League this season, which has witnessed tremendous development and unprecedented global interest thanks to the attraction of a host of international football stars. Al-Ahli, one of the four giants of Saudi football, is a key pillar of the league's excitement, and a victory today would send a strong message to its rivals that it is determined to reclaim its former glory and compete fiercely until the very end.
The match also reflects the difference in ambitions between the two teams; Al-Ahli seeks to establish its foothold in the top four and chase the leader, while Al-Hazm is fighting to remain in the league of lights and fame, which makes every point in the remaining rounds a lifeline for the team coming from Al-Ras.
