Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr received a big boost in the title race after Al-Hilal‘s first defeat in 18 months.
Jorge Jesus’ side had a perfect start to the season but lost 3-2 to Al-Khaleej away, after going two goals down. Marcos Leonardo and Aleksandar Mitrovic gave the visitors a comfortable lead, but a second-half capitulation forced them to leave the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium empty-handed on Saturday evening.
Abdulla Al-Salem scored in quick succession after the break to erase the deficit and bring Al-Khaleej level with the league leaders. However, it was Fabio Martins who delivered the final blow after finding the net late in the 85th minute, which sealed all three points for the hosts.
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Despite the surprise defeat to sixth-placed Al-Khaleej, Al-Hilal are still six points ahead of Ronaldo and company. However, Al-Nassr could have cut their deficit in half if they had beaten Al-Qadsiyah at home on Friday night, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat despite their Portuguese talisman scoring a goal. Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad could take advantage of Al-Hilal’s misstep and dislodge them from first place if they beat Al-Fateh on Sunday.
Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr must focus on their upcoming AFC Champions League matches against Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa respectively. After the continental challenges, they will focus again on the domestic championship with Al-Hilal traveling to Al-Shabab and Al-Nassr hosting Damac.
* **PAA 1:** How has the recent loss by Al-Hilal against Al-Khaleej impacted the dynamics of the Saudi Pro League title race and the perception of Al-Hilal’s dominance?
## World-Today-News Interview: Cracking the Saudi Pro League Title Race
**Host:** Welcome to World-Today-News, where we delve into the hottest sports stories making headlines. Today, we’re discussing the Saudi Pro League and the recent shakeup in the title race. Joining us are [Guest 1 Name], a football analyst with a keen eye for Saudi football, and [Guest 2 Name], a sports journalist who followed Al-Hilal’s undefeated streak closely. Welcome both!
**Section 1: The Fall of Al-Hilal**
**Host:** Let’s start with the shock defeat of Al-Hilal. [Guest 2 Name], you witnessed their remarkable run. What factors contributed to this unexpected loss against Al-Khaleej?
**Guest 2:**
**Host:** [Guest 1 Name], some might say this was just a blip, a rare off-day for a dominant team. Do you think this loss signals something more, or is Al-Hilal still the team to beat?
**Guest 1:**
**Section 2: The Al-Nassr Opportunity**
**Host:** While Al-Hilal stumbled, Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr also missed a golden opportunity. [Guest 1 Name], Al-Nassr’s loss to Al-Qadsiyah keeps them six points adrift. Is the pressure mounting on them to close the gap?
**Guest 1:**
**Host:** [Guest 2 Name], Ronaldo has been performing consistently for Al-Nassr. Do you think his presence alone is enough to propel them to the top? What other factors will play a role?
**Guest 2:**
**Section 3: The Benzema Factor and the Race Heats Up**
**Host:** Now, Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad could capitalize on Al-Hilal’s slip-up. [Guest 2 Name], how significant is this match against Al-Fateh for Al-Ittihad’s title ambitions?
**Guest 2:**
**Host:** [Guest 1 Name], with these three powerhouse clubs locked in a tight race, what are your predictions for the remainder of the season? Will it go down to the wire?
**Guest 1:**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: Champions League and Domestic Battles**
**Host:** Before we wrap up, both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr face crucial AFC Champions League matches. How might these continental fixtures influence their domestic campaign?
**Guest 2:**
**Host:** any closing thoughts on this fascinating title race brewing in Saudi Arabia?
**Guest 1:**
**Guest 2:**
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful commentary. We’ll be eagerly following the Saudi Pro League as the drama unfolds.
**End.**
