KSAsportz Report
RIYADH — Al Hilal closed the gap to just two points from Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr following a decisive 3-1 victory over 10-man Al Kholood on Wednesday, as Matchweek 12 of the Saudi Pro League came to a close.
The away team showcased impressive performance, with Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scoring just before halftime, followed by a second-half brace from France international Theo Hernandez. Al Kholood managed to score their only goal through Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique, who converted a penalty in the first half.
This victory lifted Al Hilal to 29 points, placing them firmly in second position, while Al Nassr remains at the top with 31 points after a 2-2 draw against Al Ettifaq on Tuesday. A staggering total of 48 goals have now been scored in the league, averaging four goals per match in the last five fixtures.
During the first half, Al Hilal controlled possession, threatening early on with Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez’s dangerous cross aimed at Marcos Leonardo, but an Al Kholood defender intervened. Hernandez later came close to scoring with a powerful effort that struck the woodwork, while Al Kholood’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al Rabie denied Enrique from close range, maintaining the stalemate.
The match took a pivotal turn in the 37th minute when Abdulrahman Al Dawsari from Al Kholood was shown a red card, leaving them a man down. Al Hilal seized the opportunity just before halftime when Milinkovic-Savic struck decisively from outside the penalty area, putting them ahead.
Al Kholood responded in stoppage time when Enrique converted from the penalty spot, leveling the score at halftime. However, Al Hilal quickly resumed their pressure after the break, reclaiming the lead in the 61st minute. A powerful strike from Milinkovic-Savic was parried by goalkeeper Juan Cozzani, setting up Hernandez to slot home the rebound.
The visitors sealed their victory in the 84th minute as Hernandez elegantly curled a free kick past Cozzani, completing his brace and confirming Al Hilal’s dominance in the match.