Al Hilal drew at Al Riyadh (1-1), interrupted a run of 20 consecutive victories and lost room for maneuver at the top of the Saudi League. Simone Inzaghi’s men, who didn’t have Rúben Neves on their game sheet, even opened the scoring in the 26th minute, in a play featuring two former Benfica players.
Malcom isolated Darwin Núnez with a delicious pass, the Uruguayan striker passed the opposing goalkeeper and the ball fell to Marcos Leonardo, who shot to count. Al Riyadh didn’t give up and were rewarded in the 58th minute.
Tozé, taking a corner kick, delivered a cross that was just wide of Bayesh’s head, which tied the match. Tambakti was sent off at 90+1′ and reduced Al Riyadh to ten men, but Al Hilal were unable to break the tie.
Simone Inzaghi’s men now have 45 points, with a five-point advantage over second-placed Al Ahli. Al Nassr, however, can match the team of former FC Porto Galeno and put pressure on Al Hilal if they beat Al Taawon on Monday.
In a duel between Portuguese coaches, Pedro Emanuel’s Al Fayha received and beat José Gomes’ Al Fateh 2-0. Dahal (79′) and Sakala (88′) built a triumph for the hosts against the team that had Jorge Fernandes in the eleven.
Al Fateh, nevertheless, remained in 10th place with 21 points, four more than Al Fayha, in 12th place.
The red lantern continues to belong to Mário Silva’s Al Najma, who lost 1-3 to Al Qadsiah and remains without a win in this edition of the Saudi league.
