Riyadh: Rui Vitória’s Al Nassr were crowned 2018-19 Saudi Pro League champions after their 2-1 over Al-Batin on Thursday ensured they finished a point above Al Hilal to claim their eighth league title.
The race for the Saudi Pro League title went down to the wire, with Al Hilal chasing their third title in a row and needing a win against Al-Shabab, provided Al Nassr slipped up against Al Batin - to seal the title.
Al Hilal did their part to stay in contention when they dug deep to defeat Al Shabab 3-2 at home, but Al Nassr had other ideas as Abderrazak Hamdallah’s brace was enough to see off Marius-Ciprian Panait’s side 2-1 to dramatically win the title by a point.
We are the Champions! ? pic.twitter.com/GVyhtSNmnt
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 16, 2019
Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones played an integral part in Al Nassr's march to the title, keeping an impressive 11 clean sheets.
Jones started in goal for all but five league matches this season, including the 2-1 win over Al-Batin that sealed the title.
It's the fifth trophy of the 37-year-old journeyman, adding to his English League Cup won with Liverpool and the Eredivisie title, Dutch Cup and Super Cup won during his time at Feyenoord.
In 2019 AFC Champions League action, Al Nassr will face Group A winners Zobahan on Matchday Six with both teams having already confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the competition.
Source: the-afc.com