Neymar, a striker who played for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, returned and had an immediate impact despite just entering the game off the bench. He helped Al-Hilal defeat Al-Riyadh 6-1 by providing an assist.
Coach Jorge Jesus fielded Al-Hilal’s best lineup against Al-Riyadh in round six of the Saudi Pro League, including players that moved during the 2023 summer transfer window, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic- Savic, Ruben Neves, Malcolm, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.Neymar, an expensive striker, was left on the sidelines.
The home team quickly assumed the initiative right from the opening minute and throughout the first half thanks to a superior squad in terms of class.Al-Riyadh, which is in the bottom group of the table, has little chance of earning points due to the lopsided possession rate of 62%.Al-Hilal scored the game’s first goal in the 30th minute when Mitrovic converted an 11-yard penalty kick after being under intense pressure.
Al-Hilal started his magnificent performance with the intention of breaking the tie.Even though the opposition played solid defense, the’millionaire’ team’s’ strength and caliber were evident in the fourth minute of injury time when Milinkovic-Savic helped defender Yasir Al Shahrani extend the lead.
Despite playing with dominance in the second half, Al-Hilal was unable to break through the defense of the visiting club.Coach Jesus made three substitutions in the 64th minute, with superstar Neymar making his debut for the new squad.The home team’s third goal was scored in the 68th minute by Nasser Al-Dawsari with assistance from debutant Malcom.
By the 83rd minute, Malcom had written his name on the scoreboard, while fellow superstar Neymar had made his debut with a successful assist.Winger Salem Al Dawsari, not to be outdone by the rookies, also shone in the last minutes of the game with a double goal to give Al-Hilal a 6-0 lead.Thanks to a goal by Ali Ahmed Tahir Al Zaqan, a replacement, Al-Riyadh earned a point in the 90+6 minute.
Al-Hilal has now climbed to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 16 points after 6 rounds, 1 point ahead of Al-Ittihad in second place and 9 points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr (position Saturday).
