RIYADH: Just a few weeks ago, Al-Nassr were cruising at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Ten consecutive victories had put Jorge Jesus’ side firmly in control, with momentum building toward the Capital Derby against Al-Hilal on January 12.
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Fast forward a few weeks, and the picture has shifted dramatically. Al-Nassr now trail Al-Hilal in the standings, with even a derby victory next week no longer enough to reclaim top spot.
Al-Hilal hosted Al-Hazem in the opening fixture of Matchday 14 at Kingdom Arena, knowing that victory would guarantee a cushion ahead of their Riyadh rivals going into Monday’s showdown.
Simone Inzaghi’s side, after an uneven start to the season that saw them drop points to Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, have since surged into form. A nine-game winning streak had already put pressure on Al-Nassr, whose own run ended weeks earlier when Georginio Wijnaldum’s brace for Al-Ettifaq halted their perfect start.
