Al-Hilal end Al-Ittihad’s unbeaten run to reclaim Saudi Pro League top spot

Al-Hilal handed Al-Ittihad their first defeat of the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-2 victory in a five-goal Saudi clasico.

The result, secured in the eighth round of the competition, moved Al-Hilal back to the top of the table on 21 points. They are two points clear of both Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr, while Al-Ittihad remain fourth on 17 points.

All three of Al-Hilal’s goals were scored by players who joined from the English league this summer.

Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring after 11 minutes, giving Al-Hilal an early advantage in the high-profile meeting.

Al-Ittihad responded in the 22nd minute when Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri scored against his compatriot, Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. En-Nesyri then went over to embrace Bounou in a gesture of consolation.

The home side regained the lead in the 30th minute through English forward Ollie Watkins, putting Al-Hilal 2-1 ahead before half-time.

Al-Ittihad were unable to find another equaliser before Al-Hilal extended their advantage after the break. Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville completed the scoring for the league leaders in the 64th minute.

There was late pressure from Al-Ittihad, with Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn reducing the deficit from the penalty spot in the 89th minute. However, Al-Hilal held on to claim all three points.

The defeat ended the only unbeaten record remaining in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad had been the sole team yet to lose in the competition before their meeting with Al-Hilal.

Al-Hilal’s victory therefore restored them to first place, while Al-Ittihad’s points total remained unchanged at 17. Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr sit between the two sides, both on 19 points.