Al-Hilal Survive Al-Faisaly Fightback as Inzaghi’s Attacking Promise Gets Early Test

Simone Inzaghi began his second season in charge of Al-Hilal with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly, although the Saudi Pro League side were made to work hard after surrendering a three-goal advantage.

Inzaghi has become one of the league’s longest-serving coaches after just over 14 months with the Riyadh club. Al-Hilal finished second and unbeaten in the league last season and reached the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, but their cautious style drew criticism from supporters.

The Italian coach promised a more attacking approach this season and his team quickly demonstrated that ambition.

Al-Hilal raced into a 3-0 lead inside 28 minutes. Karim Benzema opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, before Malcom doubled the advantage with a deflected free-kick seven minutes later.

New signing Crysencio Summerville then burst into the penalty area and was brought down, giving Al-Hilal another spot kick. Ruben Neves made no mistake from 12 yards to put the hosts firmly in control.

Summerville impressed during the opening period, repeatedly causing problems for the Al-Faisaly defence, but his influence faded after the interval. The visitors began exploiting gaps between Al-Hilal’s midfield and defence, an issue that had troubled Inzaghi’s team during the previous campaign.

Al-Faisaly reduced the deficit to 3-2 within five minutes around the hour mark.

Theo Bongonda played a key role in both goals. He supplied Jaime Seoane, who crossed for Alexandre Mendy to score, before Bongonda headed in a second after receiving a lobbed pass from Christian Bassogog.

Mendy almost completed the comeback soon afterwards, but Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made an important save.

Inzaghi responded by replacing Benzema with Mohammed Kader Meite. The substitute immediately unsettled the visitors and won Al-Hilal’s third penalty of the evening in the 82nd minute. Neves converted again to secure the points.

The three penalties awarded to Al-Hilal became a major talking point on social media, with supporters debating several refereeing decisions.

Elsewhere, Al-Ettifaq defeated Al-Riyadh 4-2, with Mousa Dembele scoring a hat-trick, including two penalties. Al-Riyadh twice recovered from a deficit despite playing with 10 men for most of the match.

NEOM also secured a 2-1 home win over Al-Fayha. Said Benrahma scored once and assisted Amadou Kone, while Alexandre Lacazette also played a role in the victory.

The Saudi Pro League continues on Saturday, with Al-Nassr beginning their title defence against Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park.