On Friday night, al-Hilal secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Al Fateh in a thrilling encounter at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. The win maintains their dominant lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
The first half saw both teams create chances, but it was Al Fateh who struck first in the 57th minute. Cristian Tello found Lucas Zelarayán with a pinpoint cross, and the Argentine midfielder made no mistake, slotting the ball past Al-Hilal’s goalkeeper. Al-Hilal’s response was swift. Just a minute later, Michael restored parity with a well-placed strike.
The match turned on its head in the 74th minute when a VAR review awarded Al-Hilal a penalty. Stepping up to the spot was the ever-reliable Ruben Neves, who coolly converted to give his side the lead. The drama continued in the closing stages when Al-Hilal defender Ali Albulayhi rose highest to meet a cross and head the ball into the net, sealing the win for the home side.
Despite the scoreline, Al Fateh put up a valiant fight and can be proud of their performance. Cristian Tello was a constant threat down the left flank, while Lucas Zelarayán’s goal showcased his technical ability. However, Al-Hilal’s experience and cutting-edge attack proved too much to handle in the end.
This win extends Al-Hilal’s unbeaten run in the league and puts them a significant step closer to clinching the championship title. For Al Fateh, the defeat is a setback, but they will take heart from their performance and look to build on it in their upcoming matches.
