Al-Hilal leave it late against Al-Khaleej to keep title hopes alive

DAMMAM: Al-Hilal’s fans might not be entirely convinced by the team’s performances this season but the fact remains they remain unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League after 31 games.

And they will head into their top-of-the-table clash with league leaders Al-Nassr next week just two points behind, thanks to a 2-1 away victory over Al-Khaleej on Tuesday in their postponed matchday 28 fixture. But they left it late to claim the points.

Al-Hilal fell behind inside the opening 15 minutes but managed to level the score in the 34th minute. Then, after sustained pressure in the second half, a defensive mistake from Al-Khaleej allowed Sultan Mandash to score in the 79th-minute, securing a vital win for his team and the player of the match award for himself.

The biggest talking point heading into the game centered on Karim Benzema and Salem Al-Dawsari: Pundits on official broadcaster Thmanyah had questioned their recent performances and suggested that Al-Hilal had appeared more dynamic when Marcos Leonardo and Mandash replaced them in a 3-0 victory over Al-Hazem on Saturday.

Head coach Simone Inzaghi seemed to respond, as Mandash and Leonardo started the game while Benzema and Al-Dawsari were relegated to the bench. Al-Hilal’s shape also changed yet again, as they adopted a 3-1-4-2 formation with Ruben Neves positioned at the heart of the defense and Malcom operating as a second striker.

Neves has proved influential when deployed as a right-sided center back, with his long-range passing ability contributing to a number of goals this season. Playing in a more central role limited that potential impact, however. Ali Lajami was instead tasked with distribution duties but was unable to match Neves for quality.

Kostas Fortounis