Al-Hilal beat Neom to keep SPL title race alive

DUBAI: Al-Hilal on Saturday night beat Neom 2-0 in Riyadh to cut the gap on leaders to just two points and keep the Saudi Pro League title race alive going into the last match week.

Al-Hilal came into the match knowing that anything less than a win would hand the title to their fierce city rivals.

Ruben Neves opened the scoring for the home team from the penalty spot after only nine minutes, and Simone Inzaghi’s side held on to the lead until half time.

Sultan Mannish eased any lingering nerves for Hilal’s fans when he scored the second after 57 minutes, racing into the penalty area to get on the end of Malcom’s incisive pass through the Neom defence.

Al-Hilal now have 81 points, two behind Al-Nassr with both teams having played  33 matches. Neom reman in eight place with 44 points.

In the final round of matches on Thursday, May 21, AL-Nassr will face Damac at home while Al-Hilal travel to Al-Fayha.

In a match taking place at the same time, relegated Al-Okhdood beat visitors Al-Khaleej 3-1.