Four-way title race gathers pace after all Saudi Pro League giants win on the same day

Walid Al-Farraj says he cannot recall a similar occasion in his media career after Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr and Al Hilal all claimed victories in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.

The four clubs recorded their wins during the 11th round, providing a significant boost to their supporters as the competition moves towards a more decisive stage.

Al Ahli began the sequence with a 4-1 victory over Al Khaleej. Al Ittihad then defeated Al-Diriyah 2-0, while Al Nassr beat Al-Faisaly 3-1.

Al Hilal completed the day with a thrilling 3-2 win against Al Qadsiah, ensuring that all four of the league’s major clubs collected maximum points.

Speaking on his programme Rotana Sport with Walid, Saudi presenter Al-Farraj said the results represented an exceptionally unusual moment.

“Since I began working in the media decades ago, I do not remember seeing the four biggest clubs play on the same day and all win,” he said.

Al-Farraj added that the outcome had renewed optimism among the supporters of Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, who believe their teams remain capable of challenging for the title.

The victories also left fans convinced that the championship is still within reach, particularly with the points close together and the standings capable of changing during the coming rounds. That has kept the race for first place open to several possibilities.

The presenter also discussed Al Hilal’s meeting with Al Qadsiah, focusing on the contrasting personalities of the two managers: Brendan Rodgers, the Irish coach of Al Qadsiah, and Simone Inzaghi, the Italian manager of Al Hilal.

Al-Farraj described both managers as complex figures, but said Inzaghi’s team had delivered a clear response through its victory.

He interpreted the result as a message from Inzaghi to Rodgers: “Do not talk too much.”

The comment suggested that, in Al-Farraj’s view, the response on the pitch can carry greater weight than statements made before or around a match.

The simultaneous victories have added further interest to the title contest, with supporters of all four clubs now believing their sides remain in contention. For Al-Farraj, however, the defining feature was not only the importance of the individual results but the rarity of seeing all four teams win on the same day.

His remarks were broadcast on Rotana Sport with Walid on 23 October 2026, following the conclusion of the 11th round of the Saudi Pro League.