Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riyadh: Al Hilal moved into second place on the Saudi league standings thanks to a 3-0 win over Al Shabab as the Riyadh-based former Asian champions returned to domestic action following their AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg loss against Ulsan Hyundai last week.
Moroccan Adil Hermach gave Al Hilal the lead two minutes before halftime and second half goals from Brazilian striker Wesley – in the 52nd minute – and a last minute effort from Yasser Al Qahtani sealed the three points.
The win kept Al Hilal in second in the standings behind leaders Al Fateh and ahead on goal difference of fellow AFC Champions League quarterfinalists Al Ittihad, who won their first league match since their 4-2 victory over Guangzhou Evergrande last Wednesday thanks to a solitary strike by Mohammed Abosabon.
Abosabon’s 35th minute goal ensured Al Ittihad keep pace with Al Hilal despite having played one game less than their great rivals, with both clubs five points adrift of the early leaders.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, also picked up three points in their return from AFC Champions League action with a 3-0 win over Al Faisaly, with Argentinian Diego Morales netting from the penalty spot in the ninth minute to start the scoring.
Oman international striker Amad Al Hosni doubled his side’s advantage five minutes before the break before Mansour Al Harbi completed the win in the 74th minute in Al Ahli’s first match since drawing 0-0 with Sepahan in Ishfahan in the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final.