‘No Neymar No Problem,’ Al-Hilal Make Light Work of Al-Ahli Saudi in Dominant 3-1 Win To Stay Top of the Saudi Pro League
Al-Hilal did not show signs of missing the talismanic Brazilian record scorer, Neymar, in their latest dominant and statement win in the Saudi Pro League.
The former PSG and Barcelona player might be out for the rest of the season. However, Al-Hilal still looked ominous as they made light work of title challengers Al-Ahli Saudi, who are equally accomplished and filled with household names in their starting 11.
In what was billed as Al-Hilal’s sternest test of their mettle and title credentials, the answer was emphatic, and the statement was loud for the rest of the league. The 18-time champions made a statement of intent with a dominant 3-1 win over Al-Ahli to stay at the top of the league and open a five-point lead.
Al-Hilal made a lightning-fast start, throwing down a gauntlet to Al-Ahli and the rest of the league when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic grabbed the opener inside the first minute.
The most encouraging thing for Al-Hilal this season with the expected absence of Neymar is how lively and attacking they looked with the impressive Malcom, Michael, and Al-Dawsari.
With the visitors calling on Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, Gabriel Veiga, and Riyad Mahrez, Al-Hilal were solid and compact, keeping this array of stars at bay. Adding two goals via Aleksandar Mitrovic and an own goal by Roger Ibanez completing the route, even after Allan Saint-maximin had pulled one back for Al-Ahli Saudi.
Al-Hilal looks to be on a good run of form, and they will look to ride this to the title.
