'We won't give up on title' - Lodi defiant after Capital Derby defeat

Bruised by defeat in the derby, Renan Lodi refused, though, to be bowed by it.

“Obviously, we are very sad with this loss,” the Al Hilal defender said following Friday’s 3-1 reverse at home to Al Nassr, a potentially damaging result in their quest to retain the Roshn Saudi League title.

“We wanted the three points, it’s a derby, a very important game. But we don’t surrender. There are still some games to play in the league and we still have the [Asian] Champions League [Elite] also.

“Now we have to rest and think about the next game.”

That following assignment comes around fast. On Friday night, Al Hilal travel to Dammam to take on a resurgent Al Ettifaq knowing victory feels a must given the state of play at the top of the RSL.

Despite the Capital Derby defeat, Al Hilal stay second. However, they lie five points back from Al Ittihad – the leaders drew the Sea Derby with Al Ahli 2-2 on Saturday – and are now only three ahead of third-placed Al Nassr.

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Still, Lodi isn’t prepared to wave the white flag just yet. Not a chance.

“Now we have to work,” he declared. “We don’t give up the league, and we have the Champions League to play. We are going to train a lot for the next games to come.”