Al Hilal make it two wins from two with 3-0 victory over Al Fayha

Al Hilal moved temporarily top of the Roshn Saudi League after beating Al Fayha 3-0 on Thursday to make it two victories from two matches.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring before Sultan Mandash doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly after half-time. Nasser Al Dawsari completed the win in the 88th minute, ensuring Simone Inzaghi’s side collected all three points without any late complications.

The result gives Al Hilal six points from their opening two games, with seven goals scored and only two conceded. Al Fayha, meanwhile, suffered another setback at the beginning of their league campaign.

Al Hilal had begun the season with an entertaining 4-2 win over Al Faisaly and maintained that positive momentum against Al Fayha, although there were periods when they did not display the attacking quality expected of them.

It took 31 minutes for the visitors to break through. Crysencio Summerville’s shot was saved by the Al Fayha goalkeeper, but the rebound fell to Milinkovic-Savic, who reacted quickly to place the ball into the net.

The Serbia international again showed his growing attacking influence for Al Hilal, making frequent forward runs and providing another important route towards the opposition goal. His latest strike continued a productive start to the season for one of the key attacking options in Inzaghi’s team.

Al Hilal strengthened their position immediately after the interval. Mandash scored in the 46th minute, giving his side a comfortable advantage and making Al Fayha’s task of recovering from the deficit substantially more difficult.

The hosts attempted to reduce the gap and find a way back into the contest, but Al Hilal remained in control. Their defence dealt effectively with Al Fayha’s efforts and preserved a clean sheet as the visitors managed the game.

Al Hilal had the chance to put the outcome beyond doubt earlier when Summerville stepped up to take a penalty in the 81st minute. The Dutch forward missed from the spot, but his failure did not change the course of the match, with Al Hilal continuing to dominate possession of the contest and protect their lead.

The third goal finally arrived two minutes before the end of normal time. Substitute Nasser Al Dawsari found the net in the 88th minute, extinguishing any remaining hopes of an Al Fayha comeback and confirming a comprehensive victory for the league leaders.

Al Hilal’s perfect record leaves them at the summit on a temporary basis, with the rest of the second-round fixtures still to be completed. Their seven goals in two matches underline the strength of their start under Inzaghi, while conceding twice represents a solid defensive foundation as they continue their Roshn Saudi League campaign.