Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the coach of Al-Hilal, expressed his happiness with victory over arch-rival Al-Nassr, emphasizing that it’s just three points and nothing more.

Al-Hilal extended the point gap with runner-up Al-Nassr to seven points after winning the Riyadh derby with a clean 3-0 scoreline in the 15th round of the Saudi Professional League.

Jesus stated in the press conference after the match: “I congratulate the success of this derby, witnessed across various parts of the world. The game was intense and competitive, showcasing the strength of the Saudi league.”

“We emerged victorious because we were the better team. In the first half-hour, we could have scored at least two goals. Our team possesses a strong weapon, transitioning powerfully from defense to offense,” he added.

“We could have won by four or five goals. We excelled in building up play and counter-attacks, deserving the win against a great team like Al-Nassr,” Jesus continued.

Jesus also mentioned the absence of Brazilian star Neymar due to injury, saying: “I wonder what would happen if other teams’ stars were absent from their squads, like Neymar. We miss him, but it didn’t affect us as a group, and we continue to achieve victories.”

Regarding the future of Al-Hilal and the possibility of signing a replacement player during the winter transfer window, he commented: “We intend to bring in a replacement for Neymar in the winter transfer window, but I cannot guarantee it. We need to ask the club president.”

Jesus concluded “The seven-point lead over the runner-up team doesn’t guarantee anything; there are still many obstacles in the league, and the level of competition is tough.”