Inzaghi’s Al Hilal silence Al Ahli threat to strengthen Saudi Pro League lead

Simone Inzaghi guided Al Hilal to a convincing 3-0 victory over domestic rivals Al Ahli in the first Saudi Pro League classic of the new season, answering months of criticism with an assertive performance at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

The match, played on Tuesday as a rearranged fixture from the third round, saw Al Hilal maintain their perfect start to the campaign and move to the top of the table on 12 points after four games. They lead second-placed Al Nassr on goal difference, with the two clubs the only sides to have won every league match so far.

Al Hilal have scored 15 goals in those four fixtures, averaging almost four per game, and have not scored fewer than three in any match.

The result was particularly significant for Inzaghi, who had failed to beat Al Ahli in normal time since taking charge of Al Hilal before the start of last season. The Italian had faced them three times in the previous campaign, with each match ending in a draw: 3-3 and 0-0 in the Saudi Pro League, followed by a 1-1 draw in the semi-final of the King’s Cup. Al Hilal eventually progressed by winning the penalty shootout.

Those encounters brought heavy criticism for Inzaghi, especially after the 3-3 draw. It was his first classic against Al Ahli following his appointment and took place in September 2025, almost a year before Tuesday’s meeting.

Al Hilal had led 3-0 at half-time in that game, but Inzaghi’s decision to retreat after the interval and use three central defenders allowed Al Ahli to produce a remarkable comeback. They scored three times in less than 15 minutes to secure a draw.

That match came to represent a wider concern among Al Hilal supporters, who felt Inzaghi repeatedly protected leads by dropping deep, regardless of the opposition. They believed the approach had caused the team difficulties in several matches, including games they ultimately won, and questioned whether the Italian’s methods suited a club expected to play on the front foot.

Some fans called for a change of manager at the start of the new season, particularly after Al Hilal strengthened their squad with major signings including Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, England striker Ollie Watkins and Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Supporters were joined in that view by some of the club’s former greats, including Sami Al-Jaber and Mohammed Al-Deayea, who argued that Inzaghi had allowed Al Hilal to lose its identity.

The club’s board rejected those calls, however, and chose to give Inzaghi the opportunity to lead the revamped squad. Tuesday’s result offered a strong early indication that their decision may prove justified.

Al Hilal were already two goals ahead at half-time against Al Ahli, who were reduced to 10 men after Turkey defender Merih Demiral was sent off. Yet, unlike in the previous classic, Inzaghi did not abandon his attacking structure.

He retained the 4-3-3 formation and introduced new arrival Watkins at the beginning of the second half. The England international repaid that trust by scoring Al Hilal’s third goal.

Al Ahli struggled to create a serious chance against Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, with the only notable threat coming from Brazil winger Galeno. Al Hilal, in contrast, continued to reach the opposition penalty area and had another goal ruled out, while Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced several impressive saves to keep the scoreline from becoming heavier.

That refusal to sit back after taking control was precisely the approach Al Hilal supporters wanted to see from Inzaghi this season, especially with the quality now available in his squad.

If he can preserve that attacking ambition as the campaign becomes more demanding and fixtures begin to accumulate, Inzaghi will show that Al Hilal’s decision to keep faith with him was the right one including to the supporters who had previously wanted him to leave.