Al Hilal started their Saudi Pro League title defense with a strong 3-0 victory over Al Okhdood in their opening match. Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović scored two goals early in the game, taking the lead in just the fourth minute and doubling it in the 39th minute. Sergej Milinković-Savić sealed the win with a well-taken free-kick just before halftime. Despite missing key players Malcom and Saud Abdulhamid, Al Hilal showed their strength with substitutes Mohammed Al Qahtani and Abdullah Al Hamdan delivering strong performances. This victory puts them at the top of the league table alongside Al Qadsiah, both having won their opening matches 3-0.
In another match, Al Ettifaq secured a valuable 1-0 win against Al Shabab in the capital. Moussa Dembélé scored the decisive goal for Al Ettifaq, earning them their first three points of the new season under the guidance of English manager Steven Gerrard. Despite Al Shabab playing with a depleted squad due to the absence of key foreign players, they showed flashes of quality but noticeably missed the presence of Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, who was sidelined due to injury. Al Ettifaq will now prepare to host Al Okhdood in the second round, looking to continue their winning streak.
The victory for Al Hilal marked a strong start to their title defense campaign, showcasing their dominance over newly promoted Al Okhdood. With Mitrović leading the attack and Milinković-Savić adding to the scoreline, Al Hilal displayed a formidable performance even without key players. The depth of their squad was evident with substitutes Al Qahtani and Al Hamdan contributing to the win, highlighting the team’s strength and versatility. By securing a commanding 3-0 victory, Al Hilal set the pace for the rest of the season and made a statement to their competitors in the Saudi Pro League.
Meanwhile, Al Ettifaq’s win over Al Shabab was a hard-fought battle that ended with a narrow 1-0 victory. Dembélé’s goal proved to be the difference maker for Al Ettifaq, who showed resilience and determination throughout the match. With Gerrard at the helm, the team displayed a solid performance and earned their first three points of the season. Despite Al Shabab’s efforts with a depleted squad, they were unable to break through the defense and create scoring opportunities, ultimately falling short in their opening match. As Al Ettifaq prepares to face Al Okhdood next, they will aim to build on this momentum and continue their winning streak in the Saudi Pro League.
As the Saudi Pro League season kicks off, fans can expect exciting matches and competitive performances from top teams like Al Hilal and Al Ettifaq. With strong starts in their opening matches, both teams have set high standards and will look to maintain their form in the upcoming fixtures. The early success of Al Hilal and Al Ettifaq not only bodes well for their title chances but also sets the stage for an intense and thrilling season ahead. With star players like Mitrović and Dembélé leading the way, fans can anticipate more goals, victories, and memorable moments as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more action-packed matches and standout performances in the Saudi Pro League as the race for the title heats up.
