Saudi club Al Hilal surpasses global football records to reach Asian Champions League semifinals

In an extraordinary feat of consistency and skill, Al Hilal, the renowned football club from Saudi Arabia, has etched its name into the annals of world football history by securing its 28th consecutive victory. This remarkable win came against their Jeddah rivals, Al-Ittihad, with a 2-0 scoreline in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals, propelling them into the semifinals with an aggregate score of 4-0.

The match, held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, saw second-half goals from Yasser Alshahrani and Brazilian winger Malcom, sealing a historic win for Al Hilal. This victory not only advanced them in the tournament but also set a new world record for consecutive wins by a top-tier team, surpassing the previous record held by The New Saints of Wales.

The achievement is a testament to the strategic vision and investment in talent that has characterized Al Hilal’s approach in recent years, notably following the club’s nationalization by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, which led to a significant outlay on player transfers.

Under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, Al Hilal has demonstrated not just the ability to dominate domestically but also to make a significant impact on the Asian stage. The club’s focus now shifts to maintaining their lead in the Saudi Pro League and continuing their pursuit of more silverware, embodying Jesus’ philosophy that while records are commendable, the ultimate goal remains the accumulation of trophies.

Looking ahead, Al Hilal faces Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal match in April. The journey of Al Hilal in this season’s Asian Champions League not only underscores their current dominance but also highlights the broader ambitions of Saudi Arabian football on the international stage