It was a clash of titans at the King Fahd International Stadium, as two of Asia’s footballing powerhouses, Al-Hilal and Urawa Reds, faced off in a highly anticipated match. There was all to play for, and when Al-Dawsari put Al-Hilal ahead mid-way through the second half, it looked as if the Saudi Arabian champions were on course for a memorable victory. However, it was not to be for Al-Hilal, as a late equalizer from Urawa Reds meant that the advantage was lost, and the spoils were shared.
1. Referee Curses Al-Hilal’s Night: Sending Off Spoils Unbeaten Run
Al-Hilal’s unbeaten run has come to an end following an unfortunate sending off in the 80th minute due to referee uncertainty. This marked a disappointing night for the Saudi Arabian Champions, as their pursuit for a 6th year of domination seemed inevitable.
After a dull first half of wayward possession, Al-Hilal seemed to find their feet in the 2nd half. A well-crafted counterattack in the 60th minute brought progression into the match, with Al-Hilal’s left midfielder slipping away for a through-ball that eventually yielded an excellent goal.
The Al-Hilal scorer thought he had secured the supremacy for the home side, yet their opponents equalized shortly afterwards with a punishment in the box. The referee’s sharp concentration manage to see through the play and awarded the penalty.
Al-Hilal seemed to regain control of the game, counter-pressing with ferocity, yet themselves were suffering the wrath of the referee. The 81st minute saw a sending off, as the referee deemed a previously successful tackle of Rashid a dangerous play. Fans were furious with the decision, whilst the players were petrified.
The unforeseen dismissal spoiled Al-Hilal’s chances of keeping up their unbeaten run, which has been rampant since the 2017 season. The curse of the referee has caught up with Al-Hilal, and they could do nothing to stop it now.
The push for supremacy continues, yet Al-Hilal can only watch in dismay, as their historic streak – although still intact – has not been extended this season.
- Al-Hilal’s unbeaten run has come to an end
- Their opponents equalized shortly afterwards with a penalty
- Al-Hilal suffered the wrath of the referee with a sending off
- The curse of the referee has caught up with Al-Hilal
- Al-Hilal can only watch as their historic streak is still intact
2. Al-Dawsari’s Red Card Sees Urawa Reds Rescued
Abdulfattah Al-Dawsari showed why he has become an integral part of the Urawa Reds in Sunday’s match against Albirex Niigata, saving the team from a loss with his spectacular red card.
The Niigata-based team took the lead in the 20th minute of the game, putting immense pressure on Urawa. But with less than ten minutes left in the second half, Al-Dawsari sent the visitors into disarray with a sublime red card that opened the door for the Reds to get an equalizer in the last minute of the match.
The admirable midfielder used his immense pace to drive past Niigata’s defense to the box, where a misjudged tackle from the opposition nearly caused a penalty to be awarded. Referee Nariyama Kazuhiro had no doubt in his mind and immediately showed the red card.
- Al-Dawsari’s Vigor – The Urawa midfielders performance saw him outrun the opposition’s defense to reach the box, creating the midfield commotion that earned Niigata the red card.
- Nariyama’s Decisiveness – Before Albirex Niigata knew it, the referee had taken out his red card in response to the challenge, sending the visitors spiraling and gifting Urawa with another puncher chance at getting an equalizer.
The Reds put their veteran sharpshooter, Shinzo Koroki, in charge of making the most out of the opportunity, and the forward did not disappoint. The header in the dying minutes of the match gave the Reds the well-deserved single point in the 85th minute of the game.
3. Referee’s Blunder Serves Al-Hilal Their First Defeat of 2021
Al-Hilal’s first defeat of 2021 came from a referee’s blunder that decided one of the most controversial matches of the season. Fans watched in awe as the referee awarded a penalty in the 88th minute, turning the tide of the match, and crushing Al-Hilal’s hopes of ending the season undefeated.
The penalty kick came after a strong defensive stand by Al-Hilal against their rivals. It seemed that they would manage to fend off the attack, but the ref’s decision changed everything. Al-Hilal’s protests were futile, and their players were left stunned by the call. In the end, it was an injustice which cost them their perfect record.
- The match was a hard-fought battle between Al-Hilal and their rivals.
- Al-Hilal’s Defensive stand was strong.
- The referee’s call was the deciding factor.
- It was an injustice which cost Al-Hilal their perfect record.
4. Could Al-Dawsari’s First Red Card Denied Al-Hilal Victory?
Al-Hilal’s victory could have been sealed if not due to Abdulelah Al-Dawsari’s red card dismissal. This unfortunate call has been the source of debates, much to the dismay of Al-Hilal fans. What are the implications of Al-Dawsari’s sending off? To understand this, let’s review the facts.
Al-Dawsari tackled a surging El Jaish winger in the 85th minute. The referee never hesitated to brandish a red card, especially after witnessing how the attacker was sent tumbling to the ground. It could have been a rash decision; nevertheless, the referee stood firm and Al-Dawsari was issued with a red card.
- Al-Dawsari’s Dismissal Disadvantaged Al-Hilal – With Al-Dawsari’s dismissal, Al-Hilal’s defending line was weakened. This made El Jaish’s offense more pressing and dangerous, as they got many chances to finish off the tie. Ultimately, Al-Hilal couldn’t contain El Jaish’s attack and conceded a late goal in the dying minutes of the encounter.
- Al-Dawsari’s Big Bear Made Him More Susceptible To Censure – Having been a dependable center back for Al-Hilal, his absence will be greatly felt. Desperate times dictate desperate measures, and Al-Dawsari’s desperate attempt to thwart El Jaish worked against his favour. After all, the referee could have been intimidated by Al-Dawsari’s gigantic portly figure.
5. Ex-Manchester United Target Al-Dawsari Escapes Further Punishment
Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari escaped further punishment following his failed attempt to join Manchester United last year. The winger, who plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, had agreed to personal terms with the Red Devils, only for the transfer to fail to materialize due to issues with Al-Hilal’s demands over the fee.
Although Al-Dawsari faced potential punishment from the Saudi Football Federation over the failed transfer, he has instead been let off with a warning and a reprimand. This is despite the Federation allegedly being angry with Al-Dawsari for embarrassing the league by ignoring the details of his contract with Al-Hilal.
- Al-Dawsari escapes further punishment
- The winger had agreed to personal terms with Manchester United
- Al-Hilal’s demands over the fee caused the transfer to fail to materialize
- Saudi Football Federation issues warning and reprimand to Al-Dawsari
6. Challenges Ahead: Can Urawa Reds Follow-Up Shocking Turn Of Events?
Urawa Reds have had a shocking season, to say the least. After starting off with three consecutive losses in the opening months, the team have gone on a remarkable run, winning 7 out of their next 8 matches and putting them in the hunt for a place in the top 5. It would’ve been unthinkable just a few months ago.
However, the resounding success brings with it many future challenges and questions. How will the team deal with the added pressure? What impact will the recent form have on their confidence? Will this incredible turnaround become the foundation of a successful season or will the Reds be back to square one next year?
- Mental toughness: With the newfound success, the team must display mental toughness to stick to the task and keep the momentum going.
- Gameplan: To truly turn things around, the Reds must stay true to their gameplan and be selective about the changes they make.
- Player fatigue: Urawa Reds must be mindful of player fatigue and ensure they get the rest they need to keep up with the pace of the competition.
It had been tipped as a key tie that would determine the shape of the rest of the tournament, and the result ultimately lived up to the hype. Al-Dawsari saw red but, ultimately, it was the spoils that were shared between Al-Hilal and Urawa Reds, a bright reminder of the enduring quality of top-level football.