{
  "id": 2307495,
  "title": "Al Hilal win again as Inzaghi dismisses reports of rift with Benzema",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/al-hilal-win-again-as-inzaghi-dismisses-reports-of-rift-with-benzema-2307495",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-21T04:39:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2026/08/21/al-hilal-win-again-as-inzaghi-dismisses-reports-of-rift-with-benzema/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Al Hilal secured the top spot in the Saudi Pro League after a 3-0 victory over Al Fayha. The Saudi side kicked off their season with a 4-2 win over Al Faisaly and a 2-0 victory over Al Raed. However, they finished the 2025/26 season just two points behind champions Al Nassr. Hilal started their new campaign with a convincing win, maintaining their perfect start of zero defeats in the current season.\n\nMidfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring for Hilal, assisted by a rebound following a missed shot by West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville. Kalidou Koulibaly set up Al Dawsari to double the lead shortly after halftime, and Nasser Al Dawsari sealed the win with a late goal. Despite a penalty miss for Summerville, the team maintained their dominance throughout the match.\n\nInterim manager Simone Inzaghi praised the team's performance, stating, \"Overall we played with organisation and high quality.\" He also addressed rumours of a rift with Karim Benzema, saying, \"Karim Benzema is a good player who will serve the team.\" The player confirmed that the transfer market, managed by the club's sporting department, had been active, with discussions ongoing for potential signings.",
  "summary": "Al Hilal powered to the top of the Saudi Pro League table courtesy of a 3-0 away win against Al Fayha. Simone Inzaghi's side opened the season with a 4-2 win over Al Faisaly before booking their place in the last 16 of the King's Cup with a 2-0 victory over Al Raed on Monday. Hilal went the season unbeaten in 2025/26 only to lose out to champions Al Nassr by two points. They maintained their…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Al Hilal win again as Inzaghi dismisses reports of rift with Benzema",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/al-hilal-win-again-as-inzaghi-dismisses-reports-of-rift-with-benzema",
        "published": "2026-08-21T04:39:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}