Al Hilal moved temporarily top of the Roshn Saudi League after beating Al Fayha 3-0 on Thursday to make it two wins from two matches.
The result gives Simone Inzaghi’s side six points from their opening two fixtures and extends their strong start under the Italian manager. Al Hilal have scored seven goals and conceded two so far, although they had periods against Al Fayha when their attacking play fell below expectations.
Al Hilal began their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Al Faisaly before producing another controlled performance in the second round. Al Fayha, meanwhile, suffered another setback at the start of their league campaign.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic broke the deadlock after 31 minutes to give the visitors a deserved lead. The midfielder reacted quickest after Al Fayha’s goalkeeper had saved a shot from team-mate Crysencio Summerville, directing the rebound straight into the net.
The Serbia international once again provided an attacking threat through his advanced movement and continued his impressive goalscoring contribution for Al Hilal. His ability to arrive in dangerous positions has made him one of the team’s key options when they are looking to break through an opponent’s defence.
Al Hilal did not have to wait long after the interval to double their advantage. Sultan Mandash scored in the 46th minute, giving the visitors a comfortable cushion and making Al Fayha’s task of recovering from the deficit significantly more difficult.
Al Fayha attempted to reduce the gap and find a way back into the contest, but Al Hilal retained control. The visitors’ defence dealt effectively with the home side’s efforts and preserved a clean sheet.
There was a chance to put the result beyond doubt earlier in the second half when Summerville missed a penalty in the 81st minute. The failure to convert did not alter the pattern of the match, with Al Hilal continuing to dominate possession and territory.
Al Hilal eventually added a third goal two minutes before the end of normal time. Substitute Nasser Al-Dawsari finished in the 88th minute, ending any remaining hopes Al Fayha had of mounting a late comeback and confirming all three points for the league leaders.
The victory leaves Al Hilal with a perfect six-point record from their first two matches and temporarily puts them at the top of the Roshn Saudi League standings. Their seven goals across those games underline their attacking efficiency, while conceding only twice highlights the balance Inzaghi’s team has shown at both ends of the pitch.
For Al Fayha, the defeat represents another difficult result early in the competition as they continue their search for points.
