Al Hilal win again as Inzaghi dismisses reports of rift with Benzema

Al Hilal secured the top spot in the Saudi Pro League after a 3-0 victory over Al Fayha. The Saudi club started their 2025/26 season with a 4-2 win over Al Faisaly and followed it up with a 2-0 win over Al Raed. Hilal remained unbeaten in the 2025/26 season, but Al Nassr claimed the championship with two points ahead. Inzaghi's team maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win against Al Fayha.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring, followed by Sultan Mandash just after halftime, and Nasser Al Dawsari completed the scoring with minutes left on the clock. Milinkovic-Savic scored a rebound after a deflected shot from Crysencio Summerville was parried by Orlando Mosquera. Mandash made a precise pass to convert the second goal.

Summerville, a £60 million signing from West Ham United, missed a penalty opportunity. Dutch forward Summerville also missed a chance to score from the penalty spot after being fouled. Substitute Theo Hernandez was also unable to capitalize on a penalty kick awarded to Hilal. Despite these missed opportunities, Hilal secured a dominant victory, keeping Inzaghi's impressive record of one defeat in 55 matches since he took over last summer.

Inzaghi stated, "Overall, we played with organization and high quality, and it is natural to show this performance with the pressure of matches." He added, "We always strive for the best and to improve the team's level. I am happy with the team's performance up front and the distinguished collective performance." The reports of a rift between Inzaghi and Karim Benzema were dismissed by the Italian, who said, "Karim Benzema is a good player who will serve the team."

Inzaghi also hinted at potential future signings, saying, "The transfer market, which the club's sporting management is responsible for, has been working well since before the start of the camp despite the delay of a number of players in joining."