Al-Hilal ascended to the top of the Saudi Pro League for the first time this season on Sunday, defeating Damac 2-0 to capitalise on a rare slip-up by title rivals Al-Nassr.
With the 2025-26 campaign now over a third complete, Simone Inzaghi’s side moved one point clear at the summit after 12 rounds. The victory in Abha allowed the defending champions to punish Al-Nassr, whose near-perfect start to the season was halted by a loss to Al-Ahli earlier in the weekend.
Al-Nassr had controlled the league for 11 consecutive weeks, boasting 10 wins and a draw, but Sunday’s shift in momentum sets the stage for a high-stakes “Capital Derby” scheduled for January 12.
Inzaghi’s Men Break Down Damac
Despite Damac setting up in a resolute 5-4-1 formation designed to stifle space for Al-Hilal’s wide threats, Malcom and Theo Hernandez, the visitors’ relentless pressing eventually forced the breakthrough.
In the 35th minute, Al-Hilal forced a turnover deep in Damac territory. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic collected the loose ball and delivered a precise cross to Darwin Núñez, who converted from close range to register his first goal of the calendar year.
Al-Hilal remained disciplined defensively, wary of their visit to this venue last season where they surrendered a halftime lead. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Rubaie—deputising for the absent Yassine Bounou—enjoyed a quiet evening, called into action only once against a Damac side limited to sporadic set-piece threats.
The points were secured eight minutes into the second half. Goalkeeper Kewin parried an initial strike from Núñez, but Marcos Leonardo reacted fastest to the rebound, finishing clinically to make it 2-0.
Record-Breaking Goal in the Eastern Province
Elsewhere in the league, Al-Qadsiah delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. The match was highlighted by a lightning start from Julián Quiñones, who netted the fastest goal of the season after just 17 seconds.
Meanwhile, NEOM climbed above Al-Ettifaq into seventh place with a 2-1 win over Al-Hazem, with former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette scoring his fifth goal of the campaign.
The league now pauses briefly before resuming on Thursday for Round 14. The new league leaders Al-Hilal will host Al-Hazem, while Al-Nassr will look to bounce back when they welcome Al-Qadsiah, with both Riyadh giants eyeing maximum points before their pivotal derby showdown.
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