A Neymar Debut Headlines a 6-1 Al-Hilal Win to Return to the Top of the Saudi Pro League Table
The moment everyone inside the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium was waiting for came just after the hour mark. At this point, the result was not in doubt; a dominant Al-Hilal had asserted their class to blow away the newly promoted Al-Riyadh and ensure that they would return to the top of the table a point ahead of rivals Al-Ittihad.
The rapturous welcome the Brazilian record goalscorer received revealed that the former PSG talisman is now the box office draw in this star-studded Al-Hilal side.
No sooner had Neymar entered the fray than Al-Hilal made it 3-0, and quickly raced to 6-0 before Al-Riyadh pulled a consolation. Neymar was involved in the fourth goal, slipping Malcom a clever ball before the fellow Brazilian made no mistake, sweeping home.
In the dying stage of the game, Al-Hilal were awarded a penalty. The crowd made no mistake about who they wanted and expected to take the penalty. But in the end, it was not Neymar, Salem Al-Dawsari converted from the spot.
With Al-Hilal underscoring their quality and making a statement of intent, they are the team to beat on current form. With Neymar getting up to speed, they can only get better.
