Al-Hilal return to SPL summit after Riyadh Derby win over Al-Shabab

Al-Hilal returned to the top of the Roshn Saudi League table after defeating Al-Shabab 2-0 in the Riyadh Derby at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Friday night.

Al-Hilal had entered the eighth round of matches trailing reigning champions Al-Ittihad by one point, but took advantage of their Jeddah rivals’ 0-0 draw against Al-Fayha earlier in the day to return to the summit with three deserved points.

Al-Hilal’s goals came from Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the 68th minute and Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic eight minutes later.

Al-Hilal now top the Saudi Pro League table with 20 points, while Al-Shabab remainon eight points in 11th place ahead of the round’s remaining matches over the weekend.

Al-Hilal’s Brazilian superstar Neymar remains without a goal for the club after having first half penalty saved by Al-Shabab goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Hard times for Neymar with Al Hilal

The Brazilian star misses a penalty against Al Shabab.#yallaRSL | #RoshnSaudiLeague | @SPL_EN pic.twitter.com/NoySu1vt6w

— Arab News | Sport (@ArabNewsSport) September 29, 2023

The South Korean No.1 had previously conceded three penalties in two matches against Neymar playing for his country and had told Arab News prior to the match that he was ready to face his nemesis in the SPL.

However, his heroics could not prevent the two second goals that put an end to Al-Shabab’s three match winning streak.