Ronaldo’s goal secures a dramatic derby victory for Al Nassr, while Al Hilal continues their progression.

Al Hilal 3-0 Al Fayha Roshn Defending champions Al Hilal of the Saudi League secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Al Fayha upon their return to Kingdom Arena on Friday evening. Last season, Al

Fayha was the sole team to secure points from Al Hilal at their home ground, achieving a 1-1 draw at King Fahd International Stadium. However, with a significantly altered squad and a new management at the Al Majma’ah club, the circumstances were different this time. Goals by Marcos Leonardo and Salem Al Dawsari before and after half-time positioned Al Hilal advantageously, while substitute Mohammed Al Qahtani secured the triumph for the league leaders. Within five minutes, the hosts gained the lead when Al Dawsari assisted the advancing Renan Lodi on the left flank, and the former Sevilla left-back delivered an impeccable drilled cross to his compatriot Leonardo, who finished from seven yards out for his inaugural RSL goal.

The 21-year-old Santos youth product could have increased his score before the half-hour mark, elevating to head Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross from the left, only to see his attempt rebound off the post. Captain Al Dawsari extended Al Hilal’s advantage in the 65th minute, heading the ball past goalkeeper Abdulraouf Al Duqayl after Joao Cancelo executed a one-two with Milinkovic-Savic, subsequently delivering a cross for the Saudi international to secure his team’s second goal. The game concluded with nine minutes remaining on the clock. Al Fayha committed all resources to diminish the deficit, so rendering themselves vulnerable to counterattacks, one of which was spearheaded by Malcom with remarkable speed, ultimately assisting Mohammed Al Qahtani. The Saudi youth expertly controlled the ball and struck it into the bottom corner, making the score 3-0. Jorge Jesus’ team is the inaugural squad to surpass the 20-goal threshold this season and extends their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 43 matches, originating from the 2022-23 season. Currently, Al Fayha has secured only one victory in its seven matches this season.