Al Hilal emerged victorious in the Riyadh Season Cup, triumphing over arch-rivals Al Nassr with a commanding 2-0 scoreline. Notably, this victory marked the first trophy of the year for key players Bono and Kalidou Koulibaly, both of whom exited the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations early.
The Riyadh Season Cup witnessed an eagerly anticipated clash between Al Nassr and Al Hilal, constituting a significant fixture in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Al Hilal, often referred to as the Blue Wave, delivered an outstanding performance against their formidable opponents, securing a decisive 2-0 win.
The dynamic duo of Yassine Bounouu and Kalidou Koulibaly played pivotal roles in Al Hilal’s success, leading their teammates to a well-deserved victory.
Despite the absence of Sadio Mané from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr squad, Al Hilal demonstrated their prowess early in the match.
The goals that sealed the fate of the encounter came in the first half, showcasing Al Hilal’s offensive prowess.
Sergej Milinković-Savić found the net in the 17th minute, followed by Salem Al-Dawsari’s clinical finish in the 30th minute.
The 2-0 lead held until the final whistle, securing Al Hilal’s triumph and the coveted Riyadh Season Cup.
This victory not only reinforces Al Hilal’s standing as the top team in the Saudi Pro League but also adds another significant trophy to their collection.
Notably, Al Hilal had previously secured a thrilling victory against Inter Miami in their opening match of the tournament, winning 4-3.
As Bono and Koulibaly, alongside their teammates, bask in the glory of this triumph, the Riyadh Season Cup becomes a defining moment in their 2024 campaign, setting a positive tone for the challenges and competitions that lie ahead in the football season.