WHAT HAPPENED?
Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal wrote their names into the history books by recording a 28th straight win with a victory over Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League. The victory means Jorge Jesus’s side are on the longest winning streak in football history, beating the record previously held by Welsh team The New Saints. Neymar has been forced to watch his team from the sidelines for the majority of the season after seeing his campaign ended prematurely by an ACL injury.
WHAT JORGE JESUS SAID
Al-Hilal’s manager played down the record ahead of the game. He told reporters: “It’s a world record but it’s not a title. Titles are the league, the cup and the Asian Champions League. It’s true that the more you win then the closer you are to achieving your objectives, and we welcome that.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Al-Hilal’s latest victory keeps the team on course for silverware. Jesus’s men are now safely into the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League and currently sit 12 points clear at the top of the table in the Saudi Pro League. Losing Neymar has been a blow, but former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a huge hit, scoring 29 goals in 28 games for his new club.WHAT NEXT FOR AL-HILAL
Al-Hilal will continue their march towards the title on Saturday when they take on Damac. The game offers Jesus’s side the chance to extend their winning run to 29 matches.