Al-Hilal Cruise Past Al-Raed as Saudi Pro League Clubs Advance in King Cup

Al-Hilal began their King Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over second-tier Al-Raed on Monday night, repeating the same scoreline they recorded against the club five years ago in the competition.

The match was played at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah, where Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves proved decisive for the Riyadh side by scoring both goals.

Neves opened the scoring in the 14th minute from the penalty spot, giving Al-Hilal an early advantage. The visitors controlled much of the match but had to wait until the closing stages to secure their place in the next round.

Neves completed his double with 10 minutes remaining, putting the result beyond doubt and sending Al-Hilal into the last 16 of the competition.

The victory mirrored Al-Hilal’s previous King Cup meeting with Al-Raed on December 20, 2021. That match also ended 2-0 and was played in the Round of 16, which was then the opening stage of the tournament.

Al-Hilal went on to reach the final that season, where they lost to Al-Fayha on penalties after the teams could not be separated in normal and extra time.

The latest victory gives Al-Hilal another chance to pursue the trophy and recover from that earlier disappointment.

Four other Saudi Pro League clubs also advanced on Monday, making it a successful night for top-flight teams.

Al-Ahli secured a 2-1 win over Al-Anwar to move into the last 16. Al-Qadsiah produced the biggest victory of the night, beating Al-Tain 5-0.

Al-Riyadh defeated Al-Zulfi 2-0, while Al-Fayha also recorded a 2-0 victory, overcoming Al-Adalah to continue their defence of their status as one of the competition’s recent strong performers.

The results leave five Pro League clubs through to the next round from Monday’s matches, with Al-Hilal among the leading contenders.

For Neves, the performance was another important contribution after joining Al-Hilal as one of the club’s key midfield players. His two goals ensured that the team avoided an upset against second-tier opposition and kept their King Cup campaign on track.

The remaining Round of 32 fixtures will determine the rest of the last-16 lineup as clubs from across Saudi Arabia continue their pursuit of one of the country’s major domestic trophies.