Dramatic 3-2 victory reduces gap at the top to a single point, intensifying the title race as other Friday fixtures reshape league standings.
In a match that encapsulated the high stakes of the season’s finale, Al-Hilal secured a vital 3-2 win over Al-Khaleej on Friday, cutting the gap to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr to just one point and setting the stage for a climactic title race.
The victory propels Al-Hilal into second place, overtaking Al-Taawoun and piling immense pressure on their Riyadh rivals, Al-Nassr, who must respond against Al-Okhdood on Saturday to reclaim their cushion.
The match at King Saud University Stadium was a tale of two halves. Al-Hilal stormed into a commanding lead with Mohammed Kanno’s powerful 18th-minute strike setting the tone. Sergej Milinković-Savić doubled the advantage before halftime, and Malcom’s goal just before the hour mark seemed to have sealed a routine win at 3-0.
However, Al-Khaleej staged a stunning late resurgence. Goals from Joshua King and Giorgos Masouras in the final eleven minutes transformed the contest, forcing Al-Hilal into a nervy finish to clinch the crucial three points. The defeat leaves Al-Khaleej in eighth position.
Earlier Friday Results Reshape Table
The day’s drama began earlier as Al-Taawoun temporarily claimed second spot with a 2-0 away victory over Al-Kholood. A first-half goal from Christopher Zambrano and a second-half own goal from William Troost-Ekong secured the points, despite a late red card for Al-Taawoun’s Muteb Al-Mufarrij. Al-Hilal’s subsequent win later bumped them back to third.
In another surprise, bottom-half side Al-Fateh rallied to defeat reigning AFC Champions League winners Al-Ahli 2-1. After conceding to Valentin Atangana, a brace from María Vargas completed a comeback victory, lifting Al-Fateh to 14th while Al-Ahli remained in fourth.
All focus now shifts to Saturday, where Al-Nassr’s performance will determine whether they can withstand the renewed challenge from their closest pursuers in one of the most tightly contested Saudi Pro League seasons in recent memory.
