Jeddah — Al-Hilal pulled off a dramatic comeback to secure a 4-2 away victory over Al-Najma, turning the game on its head in a performance that combined resilience, tactical discipline and late-game composure.
Match Highlights
Al-Najma struck first through Lazaro after a mistake from Al-Hilal’s keeper Yassine Bounou, but the visitors hit back quickly via Salem Al-Dawsari’s strike. The hosts regained the lead when a misfortune saw Rúben Neves turn the ball into his own net, yet from that moment Al-Hilal accelerated.
At the 76-minute mark, Al-Najma were reduced to ten men when Jawad El Yamiq was sent off for a last-man foul. Seizing the moment, Neves redeemed himself by scoring from a free-kick to make it 3-2, and Al-Dawsari added gloss to the scoreline with a composed finish before full-time.
What It Means
- Al-Hilal maintained their unbeaten start in the league, showing why they remain among the pre-season favourites.
- The comeback under pressure underlines their mental strength and the depth to handle key moments — especially away from home.
- For Al-Najma, the result is a harsh one as they showed promise but ultimately collapsed after the red card — a reminder of how crucial discipline and squad maturity can be in tight matches.
Player & Tactical Notes
- Salem Al-Dawsari was instrumental, contributing two goals and influencing the match momentum with his movement and passing.
- Rúben Neves endured a roller-coaster; from the own goal to the decisive free-kick winner, his match captured both error and redemption.
- Al-Hilal’s switch to a more compact defensive block after Al-Najma’s second goal allowed them to absorb pressure, then exploit space in transition effectively.
Next Steps
Al-Hilal can now press on with confidence — their ability to respond to adversity boosts their title credentials. Al-Najma, meanwhile, must regroup quickly, address lapses in discipline and build consistency if they are to improve their league standing.