The Saudi Pro League title race tightened considerably on Friday night as Al-Hilal survived a late scare to defeat Al-Khaleej 3-2, cutting the gap to league leaders Al-Nassr to a single point.
Simone Inzaghi’s side capitalised on their rivals’ inactivity to leapfrog Al-Taawoun into second place. The victory places the pressure squarely on Al-Nassr, who must now defend their slender lead when they host Al-Okhdood on Saturday.
Al-Hilal Survive Late Comeback
Al-Hilal appeared to be cruising toward a routine victory after establishing a commanding three-goal lead at the Kingdom Arena.
Midfielder Mohammed Kanno opened the scoring in the 18th minute, connecting with a lay-off from Hamad Al-Yami on the edge of the box and rifling a long-range effort past goalkeeper Anthony Moris at the near post. Sergej Milinković-Savić doubled the advantage six minutes before the break, converting an assist from Malcom to put the hosts firmly in control.
The contest seemed effectively over when Malcom added a third in the 57th minute. However, Al-Khaleej mounted a spirited late revival that threatened to derail Al-Hilal’s evening.
Former Premier League striker Joshua King pulled one back for the visitors in the 79th minute. Nerves began to fray among the home support just five minutes later when Giorgos Masouras struck again, reducing the deficit to 3-2. Despite the late onslaught, Inzaghi’s men managed to see out the remaining minutes to secure a vital three points. The result leaves Al-Khaleej in eighth place.
Al-Taawoun briefly take second
Earlier on Friday, Al-Taawoun had temporarily moved into second place with a victory over Al-Kholood at the Al-Hazem Club Stadium.
Christopher Zambrano broke the deadlock after 22 minutes, and victory was effectively sealed in the 75th minute via an own goal from William Troost-Ekong.
Al-Taawoun finished the match with ten men after Muteb Al-Mufarrij was shown a red card in stoppage time, but the dismissal came too late to affect the outcome. Following Al-Hilal’s subsequent win, Al-Taawoun ended the night in third place, while Al-Kholood languish in 12th.
Asian Champions Stunned
In the day’s opening fixture, Al-Fateh produced the shock of the round by defeating reigning Asian champions Al-Ahli 2-1.
Al-Ahli took an early lead through Valentin Atangana in the 22nd minute and looked poised to control the game. However, Al-Fateh staged a remarkable turnaround, driven by a brace from Matías Vargas. The Argentine winger struck on either side of the halftime break to condemn Al-Ahli to a surprise defeat.
The result sees Al-Fateh climb to 14th in the table, moving away from the relegation zone, while Al-Ahli remain stationary in fourth place.
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