Three penalties help Al Hilal survive Al-Faisaly test and go top of Roshn Saudi League

Al Hilal began their 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League campaign with a 4-2 victory over newly promoted Al-Faisaly, but had to withstand a second-half comeback after relying on three penalties to secure the points.

The two sides met at Kingdom Arena on Friday in the opening round of the season, with Al Hilal eventually moving to the top of the early standings on goals scored.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Al Hilal from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, before Brazilian winger Malcom doubled the lead with the home side’s only goal from open play seven minutes later.

Ruben Neves then converted another penalty in the 28th minute to give Al Hilal a commanding 3-0 advantage before half-time. The scoreline suggested the champions were in control, but Al-Faisaly produced a determined response after the break.

Aleksander Mendy reduced the deficit in the 59th minute, and Theo Bongonda scored five minutes later to put Al-Faisaly within one goal of their opponents.

The comeback threatened to turn Al Hilal’s comfortable-looking victory into an opening-day setback. However, Neves settled the contest in the 82nd minute by scoring his second penalty of the match and completing the three-penalty haul that had carried Al Hilal to victory.

Although four goals were scored by Al Hilal, only Malcom’s effort came during open play. Benzema’s opener and Neves’ two goals were all converted from the spot.

The win gives Al Hilal their first three points of the new Roshn Saudi League season and places them first in the table. They are level on points with Al-Qadsiah, who sit second, but Al Hilal lead on goals scored.

For Al-Faisaly, the result marked a difficult return to the competition. The newly promoted side finished the opening round in 17th place without a point, ahead of only Al-Shabab on goals scored.

Al-Shabab therefore occupy the bottom position after the first round, while Al-Faisaly’s two goals were not enough to prevent Al Hilal from claiming an opening victory that looked far less secure after the visitors’ second-half revival.