Fatigue costs leaders: Al Hilal’s Metab Alharbi calls 1-1 draw with Al Riyadh a loss in disguise
25 January 2026
Match ends in a draw, fatigue takes the edge
Metab Alharbi, the Al Hilal left-back, described the 1-1 stalemate with Al Riyadh as tasting like a loss, underscoring the need to bounce back in upcoming fixtures.
The result stops Al Hilal’s 21-game winning run across all competitions after a 1-1 draw on Sunday at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City, in the 18th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Al Harbi spoke after the final whistle on the Thamaniya channels: "This draw tastes like a loss; we started the first half well, but fatigue seemed to affect us a little in the second half."
He added: "The draw won’t affect us ahead of the clash with Al Qadsiah; we must come back stronger because the upcoming matches are crucial, and we want to make our fans happy."
Hilal now faces a tough test away to Al Qadsiah on Thursday, at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, in the 19th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Hilal remain atop the Saudi Pro League table with 45 points, five points ahead of second-placed Al Ahli and six clear of third-placed Al Qadsiah.
Punchlines: Fatigue showed up with a starter pistol, and the players clocked in for a nap instead of a sprint. Second line: If tiredness had a highlight reel, it would be a slow-motion montage of yawns and missed chances.
