Al-Ansar loses hope of promotion, and Al-Ahli is close to relegation to the third division
Sports fans in Medina experienced a night of sorrow after Al-Ansar's last hopes of returning to the second division were dashed following a crushing and devastating home defeat on Friday. The 2-0 loss to Al-Qawarah, the leaders of Group D, officially ended the "Pride of Medina's" aspirations for promotion this season.
A faltering run and numbers that are not enough to climb the ladder
Al-Ansar's journey in the third division was far from easy, as the team suffered from a clear inconsistency in both performance and results throughout the season. After playing 15 matches in Group D, the statistics reflected a state of technical instability, with the team sharing the results of its matches in a strangely even manner: 5 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. These results made it impossible for the team to catch up with the leaders or compete for promotion spots, thus condemning them to remain in the third division for another season.
One... the drowned neighbor completes the city's tragedy
Adding to the woes of Medina's sports scene, attention is sadly turning to the other major club, Uhud, which appears to be rapidly heading towards relegation alongside its traditional rival in the third division. The disastrous statistics Uhud has achieved this season in the second division point to a complete collapse, having played 20 matches without securing a single point – an unprecedented situation reflecting the magnitude of the administrative and technical crisis plaguing the club.
A rich history blown away by the wind
Al-Ansar and Al-Hilal are among the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, representing the sporting heart of the Medina region. Both teams have a long and distinguished history in the Saudi Professional League (the top tier), having been formidable rivals to the top Saudi clubs. This alarming decline of both clubs to the third division is not merely a temporary setback, but rather indicative of a deep crisis plaguing the region's sporting landscape. This situation has prompted analysts and fans alike to question the true reasons behind this double collapse of Medina's two giants.
The city derby: From the spotlight to the shadows
With Al-Ansar remaining in the third division and Al-Ahli's relegation looming, fans are bitterly anticipating the "Medina derby" next season, but this time away from the spotlight and cameras, in the third division. This expected scenario will be a significant blow to fan attendance and the market value of both clubs, but at the same time, it could be an opportunity to regroup and start afresh, getting back on track to return to the rightful place befitting the name of Medina and the rich history of its two clubs.
