Al-Hilal Crush Al-Ahli 3-0 to Move Top of Saudi Pro League

Al-Hilal produced a commanding performance to beat Al-Ahli 3-0 in a fiery Saudi Pro League clash on Tuesday, moving to the top of the table with four wins from four matches.

The match featured 10 cards, including a booking for Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi, as tensions surrounding the two clubs carried onto the pitch. Despite the heated exchanges, Al-Hilal quickly took control after opening the scoring early.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic put the hosts ahead in the ninth minute after a fast attacking move. Crysencio Summerville carried the ball forward before Sultan Mandash found Milinkovic-Savic inside the area. The Serbian midfielder made no mistake, firing beyond Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Summerville doubled the advantage 15 minutes later. Ruben Neves recovered possession outside the box and produced a precise pass into the forward’s path. Summerville moved into a tight position and finished at the near post for his second goal in as many matches.

Al-Ahli’s difficult evening became worse shortly before half-time. Ivan Toney was booked for a challenge on Al-Hilal defender Mohammed Mahzari, while Merih Demiral then became involved in the confrontation, pulling Mahzari up by his shirt.

Demiral received a yellow card and an Al-Ahli member of the coaching staff was sent off. The visitors were already dealing with defensive problems, with Roger Ibanez having been booked earlier.

Just three minutes later, Demiral committed another foul on Summerville during an Al-Hilal counterattack and was shown a second yellow card. Al-Ahli were reduced to 10 men before the interval, leaving coach Marino Pusic with a major tactical problem for the second half.

Watkins was introduced at the break as Al-Hilal looked to maintain their advantage, while Al-Ahli made three changes and reorganized their formation.

The visitors created a few opportunities after the restart, but Al-Hilal remained disciplined and rarely appeared threatened. The hosts defended their two-goal lead comfortably, avoiding the type of collapse that had caused problems in previous meetings between the clubs.

Watkins thought he had scored his first goal for Al-Hilal in the 78th minute when he headed in a Summerville cross, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The England forward eventually got his goal eight minutes later. Mandash delivered a cross from the right, and Watkins rose to head the ball past Mendy. It clipped the post before crossing the line, sparking celebrations inside Kingdom Arena.

The victory lifted Al-Hilal to 12 points from four matches, putting them first in the Saudi Pro League on goal difference ahead of Al-Nassr.

Al-Ahli remain seventh with six points after suffering their second consecutive defeat. Pressure is now building on Pusic, who took charge less than a month ago.

Both teams return to action on September 4. Al-Hilal will travel to face Al-Shabab, while Al-Ahli will host Al-Riyadh in Jeddah.