Al Hilal President Praises Inzaghi & Highlights $1.9B Support from Prince Alwaleed
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Al-Hilal advanced to the final of the King’s Cup after a hard-fought victory over Al-Ahli, decided by a 4-2 scoreline in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time on . The match, played at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, was marked by controversy surrounding a penalty decision that went against Al-Hilal, according to club officials.
The draw saw Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney equalize for the home side from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, cancelling out a 39th-minute opener from Al-Hilal’s Theo Hernandez. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, neither side could find a winning goal during the regulation 90 minutes or the subsequent 30 minutes of extra time, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout.
Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved to be the hero of the shootout, saving two penalties – both from Toney and Galeno – while Robin Nevesh, Marcos Leonardo, Sultan Mandash, and Hernandez all successfully converted their spot-kicks for Al-Hilal. The victory sends Al-Hilal through to the final where they will face Al-Khaleed, who secured their place after defeating defending champions Al-Ittihad in a penalty shootout of their own.
Yet, the match was overshadowed by complaints from Al-Hilal’s leadership regarding the officiating. Club president Prince Nawaf bin Saad strongly criticized the referee, Leandro Rey Hilfer, claiming his decisions significantly impacted the game. Specifically, Prince Nawaf questioned the legitimacy of the penalty awarded to Al-Ahli, stating it was “not a correct decision” and that the referee “ruined the clásico.”
Despite the controversy, Prince Nawaf praised the performance of his team and head coach Simone Inzaghi. While acknowledging the fans’ right to express frustration with recent form, he refrained from offering a direct assessment of Inzaghi’s performance, stating he could not evaluate the coach given the circumstances surrounding the match. He emphasized the physical demands placed on the players, noting the game extended to 120 minutes in humid conditions.
Beyond the immediate result, Prince Nawaf highlighted the crucial financial support provided to Al-Hilal by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. He described Prince Alwaleed as the “biggest supporter in the history of Saudi sport,” revealing that he has contributed approximately 1.95 billion Saudi Riyals to the club over the past seven years. This substantial backing underscores the club’s financial strength and ambition as it continues to compete at the highest level.
Prince Nawaf similarly emphasized Al-Hilal’s inherent winning culture, stating the club is “a champion and born a champion.” This sentiment reflects the club’s rich history and consistent success in Saudi Arabian football, and sets the tone for their upcoming final against Al-Khaleed.
The King’s Cup final promises to be a captivating encounter, pitting the established force of Al-Hilal against the surprise package of Al-Khaleed. Al-Hilal will be aiming to add another trophy to their already impressive collection, while Al-Khaleed will be looking to complete a remarkable run and claim their first-ever King’s Cup title. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Saudi Arabian football landscape.
The focus now shifts to Al-Hilal’s preparation for the final, with the club likely to address the concerns raised by Prince Nawaf regarding the officiating. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by referees in high-stakes matches and the potential impact of controversial decisions on the outcome of games. The club will also be looking to build on Bounou’s heroics in the shootout, as the Moroccan goalkeeper’s form will be vital in their pursuit of further silverware.
Al-Hilal’s journey to the final has been a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite facing a tough challenge from Al-Ahli, they managed to overcome adversity and secure their place in the showpiece event. The club’s supporters will be hoping for a dominant performance in the final, as they look to celebrate another memorable victory.