The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season has seen unexpected results, with traditionally strong teams like Al Hilal and Al Nassr struggling in the standings. Al Ittihad, currently in first place with 30 points, have emerged as the early favorites for the title. Meanwhile, Al Fateh, Al Feiha, and Al Kholoood need to turn things around as they sit in the relegation zone. In recent matches, Al Ahli, Al Shabab, Al Qadisiya, and Al Raed have all secured important victories. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the rest of the season will unfold.
Al Hilal SFC and Al-Shabab FC Struggle in Saudi Pro League
The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season has taken unexpected turns, with reigning champions Al Hilal SFC and traditional powerhouses Al Nassr FC facing challenges in the standings. Al Ittihad FC has emerged as the early frontrunner, while Al Fateh FC, Al Feiha FC, and Al Kholood FC find themselves in the relegation zone.
Background
Al Hilal is the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, having won a record 18 league titles. Al-Shabab is another traditional powerhouse, having won six league titles and consistently challenging for the crown. However, both teams have struggled to find their footing in this season's league campaign.
Current Standings
As of March 2025, Al Ittihad leads the league with 30 points from 14 matches. Al Ahli FC is in second with 27 points, followed by Al Shabab with 25 points and Al Nassr with 24 points. Al Hilal is currently languishing in seventh place with 19 points.
Relegation Battle
At the bottom of the table, Al Fateh is in the relegation zone with just 10 points from 14 matches. Al Feiha and Al Kholood are also in danger of relegation, with 12 and 14 points, respectively.
Recent Matches
In recent weeks, several teams have secured important victories to improve their league positions. Al Ahli defeated Al Nassr 2-1, while Al Shabab beat Al Feiha 3-0. Al Qadisiya FC and Al Raed FC also claimed crucial wins.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why are Al Hilal and Al Nassr struggling this season?
Both teams have undergone significant changes in their squads and coaching staff, and it has taken time for them to find their rhythm.
2. Who is the favorite for the league title?
Al Ittihad is the current favorite, given their strong form and position at the top of the table.
3. Which teams are in danger of relegation?
Al Fateh, Al Feiha, and Al Kholood are currently in the relegation zone.
4. What is the record for most league titles in Saudi Arabia?
Al Hilal holds the record for most league titles with 18.
5. When is the next round of matches?
The next round of matches is scheduled for March 10-12, 2025.
The New York Knicks were interested in Deandre Ayton before he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and reportedly received strong reviews about his leadership and fit with star center Karl-Anthony Towns from Portland. Despite Ayton's issues, the Blazers spoke highly of him and did not discredit him when speaking to other organizations. In the end, Ayton joined the Lakers with hopes of helping the team return to the playoffs. The Knicks signed power forward Guerschon Yabusele instead.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the family of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother. Jota, a fan favourite known for his tireless work ethic and crucial goals, had played an instrumental role in Liverpool's Premier League title run. As tributes pour in from across the footballing world, Slot and Liverpool have vowed to keep Jota's memory alive.
The football world was left in shock and mourning after the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, in a car crash while on holiday in Spain. The 28-year-old forward, who also played for Portugal and various club teams, was remembered by his former teammates and colleagues, including Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, and fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. The football community offers their condolences to the Jota family and hopes for peace for their loved ones in this difficult time.
In a devastating blow to the sporting world, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain. Jota, who was only 28 years old, and Silva, who was 25, were involved in the accident while trying to overtake another car on a highway near the Portuguese border. The news of Jota's death has not only sent shockwaves through the football community, but also touched the hearts of athletes from other sports, such as 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who expressed his condolences for the young player and his family.
After a thrilling match at Wimbledon, Marin Cilic emerged victorious over Jack Draper, booking his spot in the third round. The former US Open champion showed off his impressive serving skills, firing 16 aces against the Briton. In his on-court interview, Cilic expressed his emotions and credited his team for their support throughout his long and dedicated career. With this win, he also made history by becoming the third-oldest player to defeat a top-five opponent at Wimbledon, surpassing big names like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
World champion Magnus Carlsen has raised doubts about reigning champion Gukesh's performance in shorter time control formats, ahead of their first face-off since the infamous table smashing incident in Norway Chess. However, Gukesh has started strong in the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia, leading the 10-player field along with Carlsen himself. The event will see players compete in rapid and blitz formats, where Gukesh has struggled in the past. With tough competition in the field, including Gukesh's compatriot Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen will have to prove himself against Gukesh in rapid and blitz games.
Harry Brook, the white-ball captain of England, has revealed his reasons for opting out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his desire to participate in the tournament in the future. Despite being bought by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 6.25 crore, Brook chose to prioritize his duties to the national team, violating BCCI's new rule. However, he remains hopeful of playing in the IPL after his two-year suspension. In the ongoing series against India, Brook impressed with 99 runs in the first test and also praised Indian player Rishabh Pant.
Shubman Gill, the captain of Team India, made an impressive performance on day 2 of the ongoing Test against England at Edgbaston, becoming the Indian captain with the highest test score by scoring 269 runs. India's new number four batsman proved to be a major problem for England's bowling attack. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Akash Deep made a comeback after giving 11 runs in the first over, picking up two wickets in two balls in the third over of England's innings, putting pressure on the opposition's top order.
In the second Test match between India and England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill dominated the field with an incredible 269 off 387 deliveries, setting the record for the highest individual score by an Indian player against England. His performance helped India reach a massive total of 587 all out. Later, India's pace attack dismantled England's top order, with Akash Deep taking two wickets in two consecutive deliveries. Gill's outstanding performance not only made him the first Asian skipper to score a double century on English soil, but also raised his average to 40 in just three innings in England.
After defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen in classical chess a few weeks back, Indian teenager Gukesh has now done it again in rapid chess at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 in Zagreb. Carlsen, playing with white pieces and in a supposedly weaker format for Gukesh, resigned in the 49th move with a muted reaction. Gukesh, on the other hand, has been on a streak of victories against some of the strongest players in the tournament, proving his skills and causing former world champion Garry Kasparov to question Carlsen's domination.