(Reuters) – Al-Hilal, a team in the Saudi Pro League, has made history by setting a new world record for consecutive victories by a top-flight team. They achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the Asian Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, securing their 28th straight win.
Their manager, Jorge Jesus, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the club for their contributions to this incredible milestone. He also emphasized the importance of focusing on winning trophies rather than breaking records.
Before Al-Hilal, the record for 27 consecutive victories was held by Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints (TNS) during the 2016-17 season. TNS had surpassed the previous record set by Ajax Amsterdam with 26 consecutive wins, a record that had stood for over four decades.
“This is truly an incredible achievement and I want to thank everyone at the club for their part in this momentous winning record,” said manager Jesus.
Jesus highlighted the importance of staying focused on their ultimate goal of clinching the Roshn Saudi League title and achieving success in other cup competitions. He emphasized that their victories would only hold true significance if they lead to tangible success in major tournaments.
Currently, Al-Hilal is leading the Saudi league with 65 points, maintaining a comfortable 12-point lead over Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Al-Nassr was recently eliminated from the Asian Champions League after a penalty shootout loss to Al-Ain on Monday.
Having finished as runners-up in 2022, Al-Hilal is determined to go one step further this year. They are set to face Al-Ain in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League as they strive to claim the title.
Jesus’s team will have the opportunity to extend their impressive winning streak when they take on Damac in a league match on Saturday. Their relentless pursuit of success has captivated fans and observers alike, making them a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.
(Reporting by Ahmed Asal; Editing by Toby Davis)