Late Neves penalty seals Al Hilal’s 2-0 win over Al Fateh

Al Hilal moved back to the top of the Roshn Saudi League with a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh at Kingdom Arena on Saturday.

The win came in the 12th round of the competition and restored Al Hilal’s momentum after their 1-3 defeat by Qatar’s Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite. Goals from England forward Ollie Watkins and Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves secured three points for Simone Inzaghi’s side.

Al Hilal took the lead in the 12th minute when Watkins reacted quickest after a shot had struck the crossbar, turning the rebound into the net. The goal took his tally to five in the Roshn Saudi League this season.

Al Fateh almost levelled five minutes later. Wilfried Kanga directed a cross towards the bottom corner with a header, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an important save to preserve Al Hilal’s advantage.

The leaders continued to control the first half, enjoying 70% possession. Watkins went close to adding a second in the 37th minute after running on to a pass behind the defence, although his powerful effort was diverted behind for a corner.

There was further controversy before the interval, with the video assistant referee involved in two penalty decisions.

The referee initially awarded Al Fateh a penalty in the 44th minute, but changed his decision after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitor. According to former referee and analysis expert Mohammed Kamel Reesha, the ball had struck Murad Batna’s arm rather than the hand of Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

A second review followed in stoppage time after a penalty had been awarded to Al Hilal, but that decision was also overturned. Al Hilal therefore went into half-time 1-0 ahead amid protests surrounding both decisions.

Al Hilal continued to search for a second goal after the break while Al Fateh increased the pressure in an attempt to recover from their deficit. However, Al Hilal’s defensive organisation and Bounou’s performance kept the visitors’ goal intact.

Al Fateh manager Jamal Sellami made several changes to strengthen his attack. Inzaghi responded in the 79th minute by replacing Nasser Al Dawsari with Mohammed Kanno, aiming to improve control in midfield and protect the lead.

Neves finally settled the contest in the first minute of added time, converting a penalty to make it 2-0 and end Al Fateh’s hopes of a comeback.

The result lifted Al Hilal to 30 points, taking them clear at the top of the table. Al Qadsiah and Al Nassr remain on 28 points each, while Al Fateh stayed on six points in 16th place.

Al Hilal are listed to face Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in the AFC Champions League Elite on 03 November 2026. Al Fateh are scheduled to play Al Riyadh in the Roshn Saudi League on 06 November 2026.