Odion Ighalo hopes Al Hilal’s derby victory against Al Nassr can spark his team to finish the season strongly as they chase both King’s Cup and Asian Champions League success.
The current domestic and continental champions prevailed 2-0 at King Fahd International Stadium on Tuesday night to see off their city rivals and put a serious dent in Nassr’s Saudi Pro League title challenge.
Ighalo scored a penalty in either half to seal the win for his side. In the process, the former Manchester United striker moved to the top of the league scoring charts this season, with 18 goals.
The victory represented Hilal’s first win in four matches, with their recent run almost certainly ending their title challenge. The capital club sit fourth in the table, seven points off leaders Al Ittihad with five league matches remaining. Ittihad, though, have two games in hand.
Nassr, whose captain Cristiano Ronaldo endured another frustrating night, stay three points behind Ittihad in second having played one more match.
“First of all, I’m very happy because the most important thing is winning the game, three points, because we’ve had some bad games,” Ighalo said. “Today we knew the derby game was going to be very tough, so I’m happy we won the game. And two goals, I’m very happy."
Although practically out of the championship race, Hilal next face Ittihad away in the King’s Cup semi-final on Sunday. They then host Japan’s Urawa Reds on April 29 in the first leg of the Champions League final. Hilal are the holders.
“We know the final is a very big game, but we take it game after game,” Ighalo said. “The next game is the cup game in Jeddah against Ittihad. After that, we fully focus on the final.”
Asked about finishing the season as top scorer – Ighalo leads by two goals – the Nigerian replied: “Inshallah, hopefully - I’m working towards that. But the most important thing is ending the season well.”
Reacting to Tuesday’s damaging loss, Nassr defender Alvaro Gonzalez told the club's fans on social media: “Today's defeat is difficult to digest but we also have to be here in difficult moments. We need to improve our level and sacrifice in important matches. There are still titles to be disputed and we are going to fight for you. Thanks always for the support.”
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Founder: Ayman Badawi
Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software
Size: Seven employees
Funding: $170,000 in angel investment
Funders: friends
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin
Favourite film: Marvel movies
Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence
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The years Ramadan fell in May
Adele: The Stories Behind The Songs
Caroline Sullivan
Carlton Books
Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
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The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Zayed Sustainability Prize
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
Winner: Ferdous, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-3 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,400m
Winner: Basmah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6pm: UAE Arabian Derby Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 2,200m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Emirates Championship Group 1 (PA) Dh1,000,000 2,200m
Winner: Somoud, Patrick Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Group 3 (TB) Dh380,000 2,200m
Winner: GM Hopkins, Patrick Cosgrave, Jaber Ramadhan
7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Conditions (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Al Bairaq, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fifa Club World Cup:
When: December 6-16
Where: Games to take place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi and Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain
Defending champions: Real Madrid
The%20Roundup%20%3A%20No%20Way%20Out
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POWERWASH%20SIMULATOR
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