RIYADH — In a captivating display of talent and finesse, the Brazilian sensation Neymar orchestrated a remarkable performance that propelled his team, Al-Hilal, back to the summit of the Saudi Pro League. This triumphant moment unfolded as Neymar played a pivotal role in securing a convincing 2-0 victory against Al-Shabab in the league's eighth round.
Having yielded their top spot to Al-Ittihad in the previous round, Al-Hilal found redemption thanks to Neymar's impactful contributions, which elevated them to the league's pinnacle. The capital's blue-clad team now boasts 20 points, holding a slim one-point lead over the duo of Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun.
Despite missing a penalty in the first half's 37th minute, Neymar inspired his team to dismantle Al-Shabab's defenses, playing a crucial part in creating both winning goals.
Senegalese defender Khaledou Koulibaly provided Al-Hilal with a timely lead in a match that initially appeared destined for a goalless draw. In the 68th minute, Koulibaly rose to meet Neymar's corner kick with a header that found the back of the net, securing the opening goal.
In rapid succession, Neymar orchestrated the second goal, converted by Serbian striker Mitrović in the 76th minute. Neymar's flawless penetration into the penalty area set the stage for Mitrović to capitalize on the opportunity and secure the pivotal second goal.
The first half of the encounter was marked by penalty drama, as the referee initially awarded a penalty to Al-Hilal for Mitrović, only to retract the decision after consulting with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Nevertheless, the referee returned to award Al-Hilal another penalty in the 37th minute, taken by Neymar, whose calmly executed shot was met with a save from Al-Shabab's goalkeeper.
This victory for Al-Hilal brought an end to a recent series of drawn matches, including encounters against Uzbek side Navbahor in the AFC Champions League and a draw against Damak in the previous league round.
The triumph also halted Al-Shabab's momentum, as they had secured two consecutive wins in the league since the temporary appointment of Argentine coach Juan Brown, who stepped in for the dismissed Dutch coach Louis Kaiser. With this result, Al-Shabab's points tally remains at 8.
