Al-Hilal Complete Comeback Against Ten-Man Al-Nassr to Extend SPL Lead
RIYADH: Al-Hilal produced a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat rivals Al-Nassr 3-1 in the highly anticipated Riyadh Derby on Monday night, extending their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League and tightening their grip on the title race.
Played at a packed Kingdom Arena in the headline fixture of Matchday 15, the clash carried major implications for the championship battle, with Al-Nassr trailing the league leaders by four points before kickoff.
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Cautious Start in High-Stakes Derby
The contest began at a measured pace, with both sides wary of overcommitting in a match charged with pressure and expectation. Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus set up his team in a compact 5-4-1 shape, seeking to absorb pressure and exploit space on the counterattack.
Rúben Neves, deployed in the centre of the back three, played a key role in launching long diagonal passes behind Al-Nassr’s defensive line. However, Al-Nassr, typically known for their aggressive pressing game this season, adopted a more cautious approach and relied on individual moments to break through.
Ronaldo Strikes Before the Break
Kingsley Coman proved to be Al-Nassr’s main attacking outlet, testing goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Rubaie in the 19th minute with a powerful effort that was tipped wide. The breakthrough arrived just before halftime when João Félix spotted Coman’s run and delivered a lofted pass from deep.
Coman squared the ball into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo, who made no mistake from close range to give Al-Nassr a crucial lead heading into the interval.
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Second-Half Turning Point
Al-Nassr carried their momentum into the second half, but the match turned decisively in the 56th minute. Malcom was brought down in the box by Mohamed Simakan while attempting to cut inside, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Salem Al-Dawsari calmly converted from the spot to restore parity and ignite the home crowd. Just four minutes later, the game took a dramatic turn when Al-Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was sent off for violent conduct after striking Rúben Neves during a confrontation following the goal.
Numerical Advantage Tells
Despite being reduced to ten men, Al-Nassr initially resisted retreating deep. However, the substitution of winger Angelo for replacement goalkeeper Mubarak Al-Buainain significantly reduced their attacking threat.
Al-Hilal gradually asserted control, and in the 81st minute, Neves delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank that was expertly finished by Mohammed Kanno to give the hosts the lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted shortly afterward as Al-Nassr sought fresh energy through youngster Wesley, but the change failed to stem Al-Hilal’s dominance.
Late Penalty Seals Victory
Deep into stoppage time, Al-Hilal were awarded a second penalty after Al-Dawsari was fouled in the area. Neves stepped up and converted confidently to seal a 3-1 victory and cap a commanding second-half performance.
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Title Race Implications
The result sees Al-Hilal move clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 38 points, while Al-Nassr remain on 31 points after suffering their fourth consecutive match without a win — three of them defeats.
The reversal marks a dramatic shift in momentum. At the end of December, Al-Nassr held a six-point lead over Al-Hilal, but the gap has now swung firmly in the opposite direction.
French Referees in Charge
The derby was officiated by a French refereeing team led by François Letexier, assisted by Cyril Moine and Mehdi Rahmouni. Bastien Dechepy oversaw VAR duties, supported by Nicolas Rainville, while Saudi referee Abdullah Al-Owaidan served as fourth official.
Elsewhere in the Saudi Pro League
In other Matchday 15 action, Al-Hazem staged a remarkable late comeback to defeat Al-Najma 3-2, scoring twice in stoppage time to move further away from the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Al-Khaleej after a late Jack Hendry own goal sealed the visitors’ victory.
