Just days before the resumption of the Asian Cup, Al-Hilal lit up the Saudi League again with a victory over Al-Nassr on Thursday in the Riyadh Season Cup. This marked the return of several top Saudi Arabian players to action after their recent continental campaign.
In Short
Al-Hilal’s victory
Just days before the resumption of the Asian Cup, Al-Hilal lit up the Saudi League again with a victory over Al-Nassr on Thursday in the Riyadh Season Cup. This marked the return of several top Saudi Arabian players to action after their recent continental campaign. Disappointment loomed early after South Korea’s penalty shootout defeat, but Saudi Arabia’s fans could at least welcome back their domestic action.
Also Read : Al-Nassr star does Ronaldo’s goal celebration after scoring hat-trick against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami!!
Our eagle strikes first 🦅💙#AlHilal
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) February 8, 2024
pic.twitter.com/TaZu4tXaMA
There was much to excite observers at the Kingdom Arena. Although leaders Al-Hilal might not have produced their best performance on the newly constructed pitch, whenever they had the chance, they displayed brilliance, reaffirming their status as contenders for the rest of the season.
Early two Goals
Two goals in the first half inflicted damage on the leaders, who now sit seven points clear at the top with 11 games remaining. Both Riyadh giants fielded strong teams – Cristiano Ronaldo started the match for Yello – but it was the blue side that mostly dominated proceedings for the majority of the 90 minutes. The first goal came after 17 minutes.
One of the stars of the Asian Cup, Saudi Abdulhamid, surged forward into the crowded penalty area, pulling the ball back to Sergej Milinković-Savić, who calmly swept a low shot past Raghad Al-Najjar, making it 1-0.
Al-Hilal’s Press
Al-Hilal continued to press and Brazilian star Malcolm came close to doubling the lead for the 18-time champions, but his shot from the edge of the area was well saved by the Nassr goalkeeper.
Shortly after, their Brazilian compatriot Michael danced around defenders on the edge of the area, but his final shot was blocked.
The lead doubled after 30 minutes when Salem Al-Dawsari scored a beautiful goal. Fed by Malcolm, the Asian Player of the Year seized control 30 meters from goal before advancing and sweeping a precise shot past Al-Najjar from just outside the area. Later in the game, Al-Dawsari suffered an injury, but still, Al-Hilal fans applauded. As the game progressed, Al-Nassr began to impose themselves, and Ronaldo, who was taunted by home fans with chants of “Messi, Messi,” grew more influential.
Al-Hilal’s defense, however, held firm as they shown their ability to persevere under duress.
Even though the league title matters more, there is still a lot of football still to be played. Al-Hilal remains the leader and is still better, but Al-Nassr showed they could compete with their rivals in Riyadh on all fronts. It looks like this season will end in style.
