Al‑Hilal Clinches 19th Saudi Pro League Title with 4‑1 Win Over Al‑Hazem

When Al‑Hilal SFC lifted the Roshn Saudi League trophy on May 11, 2024, the city of Riyadh erupted in celebration, even though the final whistle blew at the Kingdom Arena against a struggling Al‑Hazem SC. The 4‑1 triumph not only secured the club’s 19th league crown but also fulfilled the simple instruction from 60‑year‑old Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus: a win or a draw would do. Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring with a penalty in the 15th minute, setting the tone for what became a decisive showcase of depth and experience.

Season‑long Narrative That Led to the Finale

Al‑Hilal entered the 2023‑24 campaign as defending champions, having reclaimed the crown from Al‑Ittihad in 2022‑23. The season unfolded as a mix of dominant stretches and occasional hiccups, but a four‑year run of titles loomed large in the club’s ambition. By matchweek 31, the Arab News reported that Al‑Hilal sat atop the table with a comfortable points cushion, yet a surprise 3‑2 loss by rivals Al‑Nassr to Al‑Okhdood on May 9 briefly delayed the celebration. The postponement reminded fans that Saudi football can still deliver drama when you least expect it.

Meanwhile, Al‑Hazem’s campaign had been a stark contrast. With just 11 points from 30 games, the team finished in last place, confirming relegation to the First Division. Their presence in the title‑deciding fixture was more a formality than a genuine threat – but football rarely respects form sheets.

Breakdown of the Title‑Clinching Match

The opening half began with Al‑Hilal pressing high, forcing Al‑Hazem into a defensive block. In the 15th minute, Mitrovic stepped up after a foul in the box and coolly slotted the penalty, giving the visitors an early lead. The goal sparked a brief flurry of attacks, and Al‑Hazem responded just before the break. Tanzanian winger Faiz Selemani threaded a through‑ball that found him on the left flank; his left‑footed strike beat the keeper in the 36th minute, briefly equalising the score.

But the joy was short‑lived. Five minutes later, Saudi defender Ahmed Al‑Juwaid inadvertently turned a cross into his own net, handing Al‑Hilal a 2‑1 lead just before halftime. The own‑goal, which flew over goalkeeper Zaid Al‑Malki’s head, became the pivotal moment that shifted momentum irreversibly.

In the second half, Al‑Hilal unleashed their firepower. Midfielder Salem Al‑Dawsari doubled the tally with a curling effort from outside the box in the 58th minute. A quick counter‑attack in the 72nd minute saw veteran forward Bafétimbi Gomis add a third after receiving a low pass from the right wing. The final blow came in stoppage time when young forward Yasser Al‑Shahrani finished a cross‑field move, sealing a 4‑1 victory that left the stadium roaring.

Key Performers and Tactical Nuances

Coach Jesus opted for a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that emphasized width and quick transitions. The double pivot of Abdullah Al‑Malki and Ali Lajami provided defensive stability, allowing the full‑backs to surge forward. Mitrovic’s penalty highlighted his composure under pressure, while his movement off the ball freed space for Al‑Dawsari’s long‑range strike.

Selemani’s goal was a reminder that even relegation‑bound squads can produce moments of brilliance. Yet his effort also exposed Al‑Hazem’s inability to contain Al‑Hilal’s pressing, leading to the own‑goal that turned the tide. Al‑Juwaid’s mishap was a textbook example of how a high‑press strategy can force errors from even seasoned defenders.

Reactions From the Club, Fans, and Analysts

After the final whistle, Jorge Jesus praised his squad’s focus: “We knew the margin was thin, but the players kept the promise we made on the training ground.” Al‑Hilal’s captain, Salman Al‑Faraj, echoed the sentiment, adding that the title was a collective effort built over two seasons.

Fans flooded social media with chants of “Al‑Hilal forever,” while opponents from Al‑Ittihad posted respectful messages acknowledging the achievement. Sports analyst Khaled Al‑Mahmoud wrote in Arab News that Al‑Hilal’s consistency under Jesus mirrors the dominance once enjoyed by European giants such as Bayern Munich, noting the club’s investment in both local talent and high‑profile imports like Mitrovic.

What This Victory Means for Saudi Football

Al‑Hilal’s 19th championship reinforces the growing stature of the Saudi Pro League, especially as the league continues to attract marquee players and coaches. The triumph also sets the stage for the upcoming King Cup final against rivals Al‑Nassr, a clash that will likely decide the season’s overall supremacy.

Beyond the trophies, the win showcases the effectiveness of the league’s double‑round robin format, where consistency rewards teams that can balance offensive flair with defensive resilience. With the AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, Al‑Hilal’s success could boost Saudi Arabia’s reputation on the continental stage.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures and Expectations

The next test arrives on May 31, 2024, at King Fahd International Stadium, where Al‑Hilal will meet Al‑Nassr in the King Cup final. The match is slated as a potential preview of the upcoming Asian Champions League campaign, with both sides likely to field their strongest line‑ups.

Coach Jesus hinted that the squad will use the brief interval to rest key players before the cup final, while also fine‑tuning set‑piece routines that proved decisive this season. Mitrovic, who finished the league with 12 goals, expects a “hard‑fought” battle against Al‑Nassr’s solid defence.