Benzema and Neves seal dominant Al-Hilal win over Al Faisaly
Al-Hilal made a statement of intent in their season opener, overwhelming Al Faisaly with a clinical display of attacking football. The home side took control from the opening exchanges and built a commanding lead by half-time, leaving their visitors with a mountain to climb.
Benzema struck first from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, giving Al-Hilal an early advantage. Malcom doubled the lead six minutes later with a composed finish, before Neves added a third from another penalty in the 28th minute to leave the score at 3-0. Al Faisaly offered little resistance in the opening period, though they emerged with greater purpose after the break. The away side pulled two goals back in quick succession through Alfred Mendy in the 59th minute and Trezeguet Bongonda four minutes later, briefly suggesting a comeback was possible.
Al-Hilal's control never truly wavered despite the visitors' revival. Neves secured the points with a third penalty conversion in the 82nd minute, extending the lead to 4-2 and extinguishing any hope of an Al Faisaly comeback. The midfielder's penalty prowess proved crucial, and Al Faisaly offered little threat after falling behind once more. A yellow card for Al Faisaly's Abdulaziz Almogren in the 62nd minute did little to shift the balance of play.
The emphatic victory announced Al-Hilal's credentials as title contenders this season. With 4-2 the final scoreline, the home side demonstrated the ruthlessness needed to dominate in the Saudi Pro League, while Al Faisaly will need significant improvement if they are to mount a serious challenge this campaign.
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