On May 5, 2026, Al Hilal secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Al Khaleej at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. This win not only marked their third consecutive league victory but also tightened the title race as they now sit just two points behind league leaders Al Nassr.
The match began with an early goal from Joshua King, who put Al Khaleej ahead in the 11th minute. However, Al Hilal responded with determination. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic leveled the score in the 34th minute, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
The decisive moment came when Sultan Mandash scored the winning goal for Al Hilal in the 79th minute. This victory highlighted Al Hilal’s attacking prowess, as they produced an impressive 1.65 expected goals from 22 shots during the match.
Currently, Al Hilal has scored 13 goals across their last five matches, showcasing their offensive strength under coach Simone Inzaghi. Meanwhile, their opponents, Al Khaleej, have struggled this season, losing an alarming 17 points from winning positions.
In a dramatic turn of events, Karim Benzema had a goal disallowed for offside during stoppage time, which could have further cemented Al Hilal’s lead. Despite this setback, their performance solidified their position as serious contenders for the league title.
Key statistics from the match:
- Al Hilal produced 22 shots with an expected goals value of 1.65.
- Al Khaleej managed only 6 shots with an expected goals value of 0.63.
- This victory places Al Hilal just two points behind Al Nassr in the standings.
The intensity of this season’s Saudi Pro League continues to rise as teams battle for supremacy. With their recent form and strategic gameplay, Al Hilal is positioning itself well for a potential title run.