• Al Hilal players celebrate their Saudi Super Cup victory over Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi. Goals from Brazilian forward Malcolm (2), Salem Al Dawsari and namesake Nasser Al Dawsari sealed a 4-1 victory at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi as Hilal claimed the trophy and extended their world record run of wins to 34 matches. AFP
    Al Hilal players celebrate their Saudi Super Cup victory over Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi. Goals from Brazilian forward Malcolm (2), Salem Al Dawsari and namesake Nasser Al Dawsari sealed a 4-1 victory at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi as Hilal claimed the trophy and extended their world record run of wins to 34 matches. AFP
  • 2) The New Saints FC (27 matches). Getty Images
    2) The New Saints FC (27 matches). Getty Images
  • 3) Ajax 1971/72 (26 matches). Getty Images
    3) Ajax 1971/72 (26 matches). Getty Images
  • 4) Ajax 1994-95 (25 matches). Getty Images
    4) Ajax 1994-95 (25 matches). Getty Images
  • 5) Coritiba 2011 (24 matches). Getty Images
    5) Coritiba 2011 (24 matches). Getty Images
  • 6) Bayern Munich 2019/20 (23 matches). Getty Images
    6) Bayern Munich 2019/20 (23 matches). Getty Images
  • 7) Real Madrid 2014/15 (22 matches). Getty Images
    7) Real Madrid 2014/15 (22 matches). Getty Images
  • 8) Manchester City 2020/21 (21 matches). Getty Images
    8) Manchester City 2020/21 (21 matches). Getty Images
  • 9=) Manchester City 2017/18 (18 matches). Getty Images
    9=) Manchester City 2017/18 (18 matches). Getty Images
  • 9=) Liverpool 2019/20 (18 matches). Getty Images
    9=) Liverpool 2019/20 (18 matches). Getty Images
  • 9=) Barcelona 2005/06 (18 matches). Getty Images
    9=) Barcelona 2005/06 (18 matches). Getty Images

In it for the long run: Al Hilal victory streak stretches to 34 matches


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Al Hilal clinched the Saudi Super Cup on Thursday with a 4-1 win over rivals Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi, extending their sequence of matches won to an incredible 34 games.

Brazilian forward Malcom scored twice with Salem Al Dawsari and namesake Nasser Al Dawsari also on target as Hilal clinched the first of what could be four trophies this season.

The Riyadh giants are the runaway leaders in the Saudi Pro League and are on track for a record-extending fifth Asian Champions League title with a semi-final double-header – the first leg is next Tuesday – against UAE club Al Ain to come. They meet Ittihad again for a place in the Saudi King Cup at the end of the month.

“It was a difficult game and I am very happy to score two goals,” Malcom told Saudi television following Thursday's Saudi Super Cup success. “We are also happy to collect our first title of the season but we are chasing more trophies.”

Here are the 10 longest winning streaks in football history.

1. Al Hilal 2023/24 (34 matches)

One of four Saudi clubs boosted by the financial backing of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Hilal have certainly made the most of their improved squad. The Riyadh side are running away with the Saudi Pro League, winning 25 and drawing two of their games so far, while also making smooth progress in the Asian Champions League where they will battle Al Ain over two legs for a place in the final.

Former Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic – one of nine signings last summer – has been banging in the goals, and the likes of Brazilian winger Malcom, Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves and Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have all adapted quickly to the team. Reigning Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari also continues to be a key player.

And to think Hilal have achieved this record mainly without star man Neymar, who has been out injured since November.

  • Al Hilal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Saudi Super Cup. Reuters
    Al Hilal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Saudi Super Cup. Reuters
  • Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema walks out with a young mascot before the match. Reuters
    Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema walks out with a young mascot before the match. Reuters
  • Al Ittihad fans in the stands before the match. Reuters
    Al Ittihad fans in the stands before the match. Reuters
  • Al Hilal pose for a team photo before kick off. Getty Images
    Al Hilal pose for a team photo before kick off. Getty Images
  • Al Hilal's Neymar is seen in the stands during the match. Reuters
    Al Hilal's Neymar is seen in the stands during the match. Reuters
  • Al Hilal's Malcom celebrates scoring the opening goal. Reuters
    Al Hilal's Malcom celebrates scoring the opening goal. Reuters
  • Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Ittihad equalises at the second attempt after his penalty kick was saved. Getty Images
    Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Ittihad equalises at the second attempt after his penalty kick was saved. Getty Images
  • Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus on the sidelines. EPA
    Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus on the sidelines. EPA
  • Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Al Hilal watches as his shot sails over the crossbar. Getty Images
    Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Al Hilal watches as his shot sails over the crossbar. Getty Images
  • Al Hilal fans celebrate in the stands. Getty Images
    Al Hilal fans celebrate in the stands. Getty Images
  • Salem Al Dawsari of Al Hilal in action against Al Ittihad. EPA
    Salem Al Dawsari of Al Hilal in action against Al Ittihad. EPA
  • Al Hilal's Brazilian forward Malcom celebrates scoring his second goal. AFP
    Al Hilal's Brazilian forward Malcom celebrates scoring his second goal. AFP
  • Al Hilal's Neymar is given a winner's medal. Reuters
    Al Hilal's Neymar is given a winner's medal. Reuters
  • Al Hilal's Ruben Neves celebrates with teammates after winning the Saudi Super Cup. Reuters
    Al Hilal's Ruben Neves celebrates with teammates after winning the Saudi Super Cup. Reuters

2. The New Saints FC 2016/17 (27 matches)

The previous owner of the record was not a traditional giant by any means but the dominant team of the Cymru Premier League. Welsh side The New Saints put together their run of 27 straight wins during a 2016/17 season when they won the domestic treble of league, Welsh Cup, and Welsh League Cup.

The New Saints have again wrapped up the league title this season - a record-extending 16th - and another League Cup, while they are in the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup. Something suggests they might go on and do the treble again.

3. Ajax 1971/72 (26 matches)

The holder of the record for 44 years, Ajax's historic run set up the Dutch giants to win the Dutch league, Dutch Cup and European Cup treble.

Led by talismanic forward Johann Cruyff, who scored 33 goals in all competitions that season, and including the likes of midfielder Johan Neeskens, winger Piet Keizer and forward Dick van Dijk, Ajax blew away all rivals both domestically and on the continent, winning the Eredivisie by nine points and beating Inter Milan in the European Cup final.

4. Ajax 1994-95 (25 matches)

Regarded as one of the greatest teams of all time, an Ajax side comprising the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Frank de Boer, Edgar Davids, Frank Rijkaard, Clarence Seedorf, Jari Litmanen and Patrick Kluivert came close to breaking their predecessors' record in 1994/95.

The Amsterdam giants secured the Eredivisie title and won their fourth, and most recent, European Cup with a 1-0 final victory over AC Milan. Litmanen top-scored for Louis van Gaal's side with 27 goals in all competitions.

5. Coritiba 2011 (24 matches)

The holder of the South American record, Coritiba's 24-match winning run in 2011 saw the Brazilian side win the Campeonato Paranaense which included a perfect 11 victories in the second stage to win the title. The streak also saw Coritiba clinch the Copa do Brasil.

6. Bayern Munich 2019/20 (23 matches)

One of the most dominant seasons of recent times, Bayern were unstoppable in 2019/20, especially from February onwards. They won their last 13 Bundesliga games to win the title by 13 points and won all 11 games in the Champions League on their way to the treble.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was the star of the season, scoring 55 goals in all competitions – 34 in the Bundesliga and 15 in the Champions League.

7. Real Madrid 2014/15 (22 matches)

Real Madrid achieved the seventh-longest win streak in football history yet only had the Fifa Club World Cup trophy to show for their efforts. Carlo Ancelotti's side hit their stride between September and mid-December of the 2014/15 season with 12 successive La Liga wins, six straight in the Champions League and two to win the Club World Cup.

But Madrid would finish runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga, lose to Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals and be eliminated from the Copa del Rey last 16 by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

8. Manchester City 2020/21 (21 matches)

One of many exemplary seasons during the Pep Guardiola era, City's 21-match winning run took place between mid-December and the start of March, taking in 15 Premier League wins and a string of victories in the League Cup, Champions League and FA Cup.

City would win the Premier League - the first in their current run of three straight titles - and the League Cup, but were defeated by Chelsea in both the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League final.

9= Manchester City 2017/18 (18 matches)

Guardiola's first Premier League title as City manager came in 2017/18, which was built on an 18-match winning run early in the season on the way to a 100-point league campaign. Guardiola's first City trophy was also secured this season with the League Cup.

9= Liverpool 2019/20 (18 matches)

Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for a league title in 2019/20 following a remarkable start to the season, with an 18-match winning run from October 27 to February 24. A draw away to Manchester United on October 20 was the only league match the Reds didn't win in the first 27 games.

9= Barcelona 2005/06 (18 matches)

A great Barcelona team including a young Lionel Messi, Frank Rijkard's side won 14 straight La Liga matches between the end of October and end of December to set themselves up to win the title. Barca also starred in the Champions League, winning the trophy by beating Arsenal in the final.

WIDE%20VIEW
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Fight card

1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)

2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)

3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)

4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)

5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)

6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)

7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)

8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)

9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)

10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)

11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)

12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)

SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)

Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),

Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),

Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)

Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm) 

Benevento v Napoli (6pm) 

Parma v Spezia (6pm)

 Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)

Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)

Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

The Birkin bag is made by Hermès. 
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
EA Sports FC 24
Company%20profile
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Last five meetings

2013: South Korea 0-2 Brazil

2002: South Korea 2-3 Brazil

1999: South Korea 1-0 Brazil

1997: South Korea 1-2 Brazil

1995: South Korea 0-1 Brazil

Note: All friendlies

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Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Scores

Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)

Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 325bhp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh359,000

On sale: now 

Sweet%20Tooth
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Updated: April 12, 2024, 4:48 AM