Al-Hilal slip up at home against Al-Ahli as a Toney hat-trick dents their title hopes

JEDDAH: Al-Ahli defeated Al-Hilal 3-2 on Friday, with Ivan Toney blasting a big hole in the hosts’ Saudi Pro League title ambitions with a stunning second-half hat-trick in a thrilling game.

The England striker shone to give the visitors from Jeddah a famous victory that did bitter local rivals Al-Ittihad a huge favor, as the result means the league leaders remain five points clear of second-place Al-Hilal, now with a game in hand. Al-Ahli sit in fourth place, level on points with Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah.

The victory did not look at all likely at half-time, after 45 minutes during which the hosts were in control and had numerous chances. The game remained goalless at the break, however, and Blues would come to rue their misses.

Just moments after the restart, Gabri Veiga had the ball on the left wing and the Spaniard slipped the ball inside to Toney just inside the area. There was still a lot of work for the former Brentford man to do but he took a touch and then smoothly fired the ball across Yassine Bounou and into the net to send the away fans wild with delight.

The home support in the Kingdom Arena was stunned and things got worse for them after 52 minutes when Al-Ahli grabbed another well-worked goal, this time from the right. Galeno, who signed from Porto in January, sent a low cross across the face of goal to the waiting Toney who slotted home from close range.

Al-Hilal then pulled one back, courtesy of the in-form Salem Al-Dawsari. Malcom picked up the ball in the middle of the field and started a fluid move that ended with the Brazilian collecting possession again inside the area before pulling the ball back for Al-Dawsari, who timed his run perfectly.

Ten minutes later, the champions were level when,