Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best
Sure Sabitha! Here’s a 2000-word long-form article on Al-Hilal’s inconsistency and title hopes fading in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25:
Inconsistent Al-Hilal Drop More Points With Time Running Out for Title Hopes
As the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season enters its crucial final stretch, all eyes are fixed on the fierce battle at the top of the table. Among the title contenders, Al-Hilal—one of the most decorated and widely followed clubs in Asia—find themselves on shaky ground. Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best Once in pole position, their recent string of inconsistent performances has seen them relinquish control and fall behind in the title race. Their 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Al-Nassr not only underscored their ongoing problems but also raised serious questions about whether they have the resilience to mount a late surge and retain their crown.
With eight games remaining, Al-Hilal trail league leaders Al-Ittihad by five points. More alarmingly, their form against top-tier sides has been spotty, Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best and their defense—once a fortress—has started to show visible cracks. While football is often a tale of peaks and troughs, for a club with Al-Hilal’s stature, the current trend has alarmed both fans and pundits alike.
The Al-Nassr Setback: A Microcosm of the Problem
On April 4, 2025, Al-Hilal traveled to face Al-Nassr in what was billed as a season-defining clash. The pressure was immense: a win would keep them within striking distance of Al-Ittihad, Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best while a loss could be fatal for their title aspirations. Unfortunately for Al-Hilal, it turned into the latter.
The match began with promise but quickly descended into disappointment. Al-Nassr took the lead in the first half through a composed finish by midfielder Ali Al Hassan, whose curling strike from outside the box caught goalkeeper Yassine Bounou off-guard. Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best The goal rattled Al-Hilal’s defensive structure, which had already shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks.
The second half saw Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the predator, double Al-Nassr’s lead with a clinical finish after an intelligent through ball from Sadio Mané. Al-Hilal responded through Ali Al Bulayhi, who scored from a corner in the 62nd minute to give his side hope. Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best But just when it seemed the game might tilt in their favor, a late VAR-reviewed penalty handed Ronaldo a chance to complete his brace. He made no mistake, sending Bounou the wrong way and sealing a crushing 3-1 victory.
What made the loss more damaging was not just the scoreline, but the way Al-Hilal capitulated under pressure. They lacked structure, urgency, Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best and composure—traits that once defined their dominance. From misplaced passes to hesitant defending, the cracks that had been papered over in earlier matches were now clearly visible.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Al-Hilal’s 2024-25 campaign began with the swagger of a champion. Buoyed by the signings of international stars and an experienced coach at the helm, Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes 2025 best expectations were sky-high. For a while, the team lived up to the hype. They recorded emphatic wins over mid-table clubs, played fluid attacking football, and maintained a solid defensive record.
However, their form has been punctuated by unexpected stumbles. Draws against relegation-threatened sides like Abha and Al-Tai, coupled with losses to direct rivals like Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, have severely dented their momentum. For a club chasing the title, every dropped point matters. Unfortunately, Al-Hilal have dropped too many in matches where they were expected to cruise.
The inconsistency isn’t limited to results—it’s also visible in performances. One week, Al-Hilal appear unstoppable, with midfield maestro Ruben Neves dictating the tempo and winger Malcolm tormenting defenses. The next week, the same players seem disjointed, unable to find rhythm or coherence. This fluctuation in form has made it difficult for the team to build the kind of winning streak necessary to chase down Al-Ittihad.
Squad Concerns and Tactical Imbalance
Much of the blame for Al-Hilal’s stuttering season has fallen on tactical decisions and squad imbalance. While the club boasts marquee players—Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Bounou among them—the team has struggled to gel cohesively. There have been murmurs about fatigue, especially for players involved in national team commitments. Others point to an over-reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective effort.
One glaring issue has been the defensive line. Once marshaled with discipline and synchronicity, it has now become prone to lapses, especially against pacey counterattacks. The high defensive line, a hallmark of Al-Hilal’s style, has often been exposed by quicker opponents like Al-Nassr.
Manager Jorge Jesus has also come under scrutiny. While respected for his past achievements, his recent tactical decisions have raised eyebrows. His tendency to tinker with formations—switching between a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and even a back three—has left players unsure of their roles. Against Al-Nassr, for instance, Jesus’s decision to play a more open game backfired as Al-Hilal were repeatedly caught on the break.
Title Rivals Capitalizing
While Al-Hilal have been faltering, their rivals have taken full advantage. Al-Ittihad, led by their efficient midfield and resolute backline, have quietly built a formidable lead. They’ve been consistent, grinding out results even when not playing their best football. Al-Nassr, with Ronaldo in lethal form and Mané proving to be a shrewd acquisition, have also made significant gains.
What separates these teams from Al-Hilal this season is consistency and mental strength. Even when under pressure, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr have found ways to win. Al-Hilal, in contrast, have often buckled. Their record in high-pressure games, especially away from home, has been underwhelming.
Psychological Toll and Fan Frustration
It’s not just the players and staff feeling the heat—the fanbase has grown increasingly restless. Al-Hilal fans, used to winning, have not been shy in voicing their displeasure. Social media platforms are abuzz with criticism of the coach, questions about the commitment of foreign players, and calls for a change in leadership.
Internally, the pressure is mounting. Sources within the club suggest that the board is already evaluating alternatives should the team fail to win silverware. While no drastic moves have been made yet, the mood is tense. The psychological toll of underperformance is beginning to show in the players’ body language. The carefree confidence of earlier matches has given way to nervousness and rushed decisions.
Is There Still Hope?
Despite the gloom, all is not lost. With eight matches remaining, a five-point gap is not insurmountable—especially in a league as unpredictable as the Saudi Pro League. However, Al-Hilal will need to be near-perfect from here on out. That means no more dropped points, especially against bottom-half teams.
They also need to rediscover their identity. The Al-Hilal that dominates possession, breaks down deep defenses, and presses high up the pitch must re-emerge. Players like Neves, Milinković-Savić, and Salem Al-Dawsari must step up as leaders both on and off the pitch.
Key fixtures against Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq await, as well as a potential six-pointer against Al-Ittihad that could decide the title. If Al-Hilal can string together a series of wins and hope their rivals slip up, they could still reclaim their throne.
Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Summer?
Regardless of how the season ends, this summer promises to be crucial for Al-Hilal. If they do lose the title, expect a major squad overhaul. Aging stars may be let go, and new blood may be brought in to rejuvenate the side. The management may also reassess their foreign player policy, ensuring that those signed align with the team’s tactical philosophy.
Moreover, the coaching situation could be addressed. While Jorge Jesus has had success in the past, there is growing sentiment that a fresh approach may be needed to take the team forward.
There’s also the looming challenge of the AFC Champions League. Should Al-Hilal qualify, they’ll need to significantly up their game to compete with Asia’s elite. The club hierarchy is well aware that continental success is just as important as domestic dominance.
Conclusion: Time Is Running Out
Al-Hilal’s 2024-25 season is teetering on the edge of disappointment. What began as a promising campaign has slowly unraveled into a frustrating tale of inconsistency, missed chances, and mounting pressure. The 3-1 defeat to Al-Nassr wasn’t just another loss—it was a wake-up call. Unless the team regains focus, structure, and belief, their hopes of defending the title will vanish.
But football is full of second chances. With experienced players, a passionate fanbase, and still enough time left in the season, Al-Hilal have the tools to mount a comeback. Whether they can summon the spirit of champions in time remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the next few weeks will define not just their season, but potentially the future direction of one of Asia’s greatest clubs.
Would you like a follow-up article if Al-Hilal bounce back in the next match or an analysis on their key players like Neves or Bounou?
