Al-Hilal thrash Al-Ahli 3-0 to secure classic win in Saudi Pro League

Al-Hilal have triumphed in the Saudi Pro League classic, thrashing Al-Ahli 3-0 in the postponed match from the third round, which took place at the Kingdom Arena.

Al-Hilal have moved to the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 12 points, ahead of Al-Nassr on goal difference, while Al-Ahli remain in seventh place with 6 points.

Al-Hilal took a clear advantage from the start, with Sergej Milinković-Savić scoring in the 9th minute with a powerful shot from his right foot inside the penalty area.

Roger Ibañez received a yellow card in the 11th minute, before Al-Hilal missed a chance to double their lead a minute later when the Al-Ahli goalkeeper saved Nasser Al-Dawsari's close attempt.

Al-Ahli attempted to come back into the match, but Valentin Atangana's header in the 18th minute, following a cross from Edward Spertsyan, was blocked by a defensive intervention that prevented it from reaching the goal.

Al-Hilal continued their attacking pressure, adding a second goal through Crysencio Summerville in the 23rd minute, after he unleashed a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.

Al-Hilal made an enforced substitution in the 30th minute, with Ali Lajami leaving due to injury and Hassan Tambakti coming on in his place, before the Al-Ahli goalkeeper saved another attempt from Al-Hilal.

With the start of the second half, Italian coach Simone Inzaghi brought on Ollie Watkins in place of Mohamed Qader Miti, allowing the player to make his first appearance in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Hilal.

Al-Ahli missed a chance to reduce the deficit in the 51st minute, as Roger Ibañez rose to meet a corner and headed the ball from inside the area, but it went wide of the Al-Hilal goal.

Wenderson Galeno attempted to reduce the deficit in the 67th minute with a shot from the center of the penalty area, but Al-Hilal's defense intervened and cleared the danger after a pass from Firas Al-Buraikan.

Al-Hilal continued to push for a goal, but Rúben Neves failed to extend the lead in the 75th minute, as his shot from outside the area was blocked by the Al-Ahli defense.

Moteb Al-Harbi missed another chance for Al-Hilal in the 79th minute, when he shot with his left foot from outside the penalty area following a counter-attack, before the decisive third goal came.

Ollie Watkins fired the final bullet in the 86th minute, netting the third goal for Al-Hilal, confirming his team's victory with a three-goal haul and sealing the clásico clash against Al-Ahli.