Al Hilal beat Al Fayha to move top of Roshn Saudi League

Al Hilal continued their perfect start to the Roshn Saudi League season with a 3-0 victory over Al Fayha on Thursday, moving temporarily to the top of the table with six points from their opening two matches.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring after 31 minutes before Sultan Mandash doubled Al Hilal’s advantage shortly after half-time. Substitute Nasser Al-Dawsari completed the win in the 88th minute to secure a second successive victory for Simone Inzaghi’s side.

Al Hilal began their league campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly. Their latest performance confirmed their early strength, although there were periods against Al Fayha when they did not produce the attacking quality expected of them.

The visitors had to wait until the 31st minute to break through a stubborn Al Fayha defence. Milinkovic-Savic reacted quickest after goalkeeper’s save had rebounded from a shot by team-mate Cresencio Summerville, driving the loose ball into the net.

The Serbia international again demonstrated his value in an advanced role, making forward runs and offering Al Hilal another route towards goal. His continued involvement in the attack has made him one of the team’s most important scoring options.

Al Hilal did not have to wait long after the interval to extend their lead. Mandash struck in the 46th minute, giving the visitors a comfortable advantage and leaving Al Fayha with a difficult task if they were to recover.

Al Fayha attempted to reduce the deficit and regain a foothold in the match, but Al Hilal remained in control. The visitors’ defence dealt with the home side’s efforts and preserved a clean sheet as the game progressed.

Summerville then had the opportunity to settle the contest earlier when Al Hilal were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute. However, the Netherlands international missed from the spot. The mistake did not prove costly, with Al Hilal continuing to dominate the match despite failing to convert the chance.

The result was finally put beyond doubt two minutes before the end of normal time. Substitute Nasser Al-Dawsari scored in the 88th minute, ending any remaining hopes Al Fayha had of mounting a late comeback and confirming all three points for Al Hilal.

The victory gives Al Hilal six points from two matches and leaves them temporarily leading the Roshn Saudi League standings. They have scored seven goals in their first two games and conceded only twice.

For Al Fayha, the defeat represents another setback at the beginning of their league campaign, while Al Hilal’s strong start under Inzaghi gathers further momentum.