Al Hilal back on top thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's late winner against Al Hazem
Gabriel Martinelli's late winner against Al Hazem took Al Hilal back to the top of the Saudi Pro League, while Al Ahli held on for a 3-2 victory away to Al Fayha. Hilal dominated Hazem, creating 19 chances but was left frustrated by a glut of missed opportunities and the inspired presence of Jindrich Stanek in the Hazem goal. Simone Inzaghi's side looked to be heading for their first stalemate of…
Gabriel Martinelli extended Al Hilal's lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League with a late winner against Al Hazem. The Brazilian forward, signed from Arsenal this summer, rose unmarked in the area to head home in the 89th minute, sparking jubilation among the home fans. Al Hilal dominated Hazem throughout the match, creating 19 chances but falling short due to missed opportunities and Jindrich Stanek's impressive goalkeeping.
Al Hilal's win secured them 24 points, topping the table two points ahead of Al Qadsiah. The result sets up a thrilling clash between the top two on Friday.
Elsewhere, Al Ahli secured a 3-2 victory away to Al Fayha, thanks to a brace from Artem Bondarenko and a penalty from Firas Al Buraikan. Hugo Moura gave Fayha the lead in the 45th minute, but Bondarenko equalized in injury time. Al Buraikan sealed the win for Al Ahli after Matheus Goncalves was denied by a penalty. Al Ahli moved to 18 points and third place after 10 rounds. Al Ahli coach Marino Pusic praised his team's fighting spirit, despite some mistakes, and credited Bondarenko for the crucial goals.
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