Al-Hilal's first football team continued its inconsistent and unusual results in the Saudi Professional League, managing only three consecutive draws in the final rounds of the current season. This streak is unprecedented this season, temporarily disrupting the team's winning streak that its fans have come to expect, and prompting questions from supporters and analysts about the reasons for this relative decline in securing maximum points in the fierce competition for the top spot.
Details of the three draws
The series of draws began when Al-Hilal clashed with Al-Riyadh in a match that ended 1-1. This was followed by a fiery encounter against Al-Qadisiyah, which was highly competitive and exciting, ending in a 2-2 draw. In the third round, the Saudi Arabian football classic against Al-Ahli ended in a goalless draw (0-0). This match was characterized by a cautious, tactical approach and a lack of clear scoring opportunities for either side. As a result, the capital club, Al-Hilal, dropped six crucial points, managing only three out of a possible nine during these decisive rounds.
A historical comparison and a rare precedent
This run of draws is a rare occurrence in Al-Hilal's recent history. The Blue Wave, known for its domestic dominance and ability to secure consecutive victories, has never before drawn three consecutive matches this season. Looking back at the league's statistical archives, the last time Al-Hilal achieved three consecutive draws was in the 2020-2021 season, when they drew against Al-Ittihad (1-1), then Al-Shabab (1-1), and finally Al-Batin (2-2). This highlights how seldom this scenario has happened to the Blue Wave.
Impact of results on the shape of the competition
These results are particularly significant given the overall context of the current Saudi Professional League season, which is witnessing tremendous qualitative development and attracting some of the brightest stars in world football. The reigning champions' stumbles, or those consistently vying for the title, in three consecutive matches open the door wide for their rivals to close the gap and ignite the title race. These results also place immense pressure on the coaching staff and players to quickly get back on track, especially since Al-Hilal's fans demand nothing less than victory and consider any setback a warning sign that necessitates addressing defensive errors or the offensive impotence that may surface in some tight matches.
In conclusion, Al-Hilal remains one of the strongest clubs in the Asian continent, and the team is expected to react strongly in the upcoming rounds to try to regain the rhythm of victories and reassure the blue stands that this setback is only a passing phase in a long and arduous season.
