Al Hilal produced a sensational attacking display to defeat Al Shabab 5–3 on Friday night in a dramatic Riyadh derby at SHG Arena, as part of Matchday 24 of the Saudi Pro League.
Al Shabab struck first in the 13th minute through England midfielder Josh Brownhill, who gave the hosts an early 1–0 advantage.
Al Hilal responded quickly. Just six minutes later, Mohamed Kanno restored parity and made it 1–1.
The visitors then turned the game around in the 31st minute in fortunate fashion. A deflected sequence saw the ball ricochet off goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe before bouncing in off defender Ali Al-Bulaihi for an own goal, putting Al Hilal ahead 2–1.
Al Shabab refused to back down. Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah equalized in the 44th minute with a superbly taken goal, leveling the score at 2–2.
من كل الزوايا 🎥
عبدالرزاق حمدالله يسجل هدف الشباب الثاني في مرمى الهلال ⚽️#الشباب_الهلال | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/chCY0KTy9Q
— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) February 27, 2026
However, the drama was far from over. Deep into first-half stoppage time (45+2), Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly powered home to restore Al Hilal’s lead at 3–2 before the break, capping off an electrifying opening 45 minutes.
من كل الزوايا 🎥
كوليبالي يسجل هدف الهلال الثالث في مرمى الشباب ⚽️#الشباب_الهلال | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/BdTYzNAiec
— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) February 27, 2026
Al Hilal came out flying after halftime. In the 48th minute, Sultan Mandash extended the lead to 4–2, giving the visitors breathing space.
Just four minutes later, Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo made it five, converting a low cross inside the box with a strike to effectively put the contest beyond reach at 5–2.
Al Shabab managed to pull one back in the 75th minute after a delivery from Yacine Adli. Although Hamdallah attempted to connect, the ball ultimately found its way past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, reducing the deficit to 5–3.
The final whistle confirmed a vital 5–3 victory for Al Hilal, who move up to 58 points in third place, maintaining pressure in the title race. Notably, the “Blue Wave” remain unbeaten in the league this season. Meanwhile, Al Shabab sit 13th in the table with 25 points.
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