l-Hilal have finished the Saudi Pro League season unbeaten despite losing Brazil star Neymar to injury.
♦ Al-Hilal secure Saudi Pro League
♦ Have been without Neymar through injury
♦ Finished the campaign without a defeat
WHAT HAPPENED?
Al-Hilal rounded off an impressive 2023-24 campaign with a 2-1 win against Al-Wehda on Monday. Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring before Yahya Naji levelled proceedings in the second half. The unbeaten record was then guaranteed by a late winner from substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic in added time – his 28th goal of the season. They were crowned Saudi Pro League champions earlier on in the season with a 12-point gap separating them and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr ahead of the final game of the campaign.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
An unbeaten league-winning campaign is an impressive accomplishment when you consider the injury that ruled Neymar out for the season. The 32-year-old Brazilian suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October and had been ruled out for the remainder of the season. He could also miss the start of next season. Al-Hilal would embark on an impressive season regardless of losing their marquee summer signing, winning 31 games and drawing three.
DID YOU KNOW?
This was the 19th Saudi Pro League title for Al-Hilal in their history. The team had also embarked on a record-breaking run of 34 consecutive wins across all competitions – but this came to an end in April following a 4-2 defeat to Al Ain in the Asian Champions League.
WHAT NEXT FOR AL-HILAL?
Al-Hilal will aim to finish the season with another win in the King Cup against Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr side. The game will take place on May 31.