On May 5, 2026, Al-Hilal secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Al-Khaleej at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. This win keeps Al-Hilal firmly in the title race, reducing their deficit to league leaders Al-Nassr to just two points.
The match unfolded dramatically. Joshua King put Al-Khaleej ahead with a goal in the 11th minute. However, Al-Hilal responded effectively. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalized shortly after the half-hour mark, setting the stage for an intense second half.
As time ticked away, Sultan Mandash emerged as the match winner for Al-Hilal with a decisive goal in the 79th minute. This victory marks a significant moment as it reinforces Al-Hilal’s position in the Saudi Pro League.
Key statistics from the match:
- Al-Hilal has played 30 matches this season, winning 22 and drawing 8.
- Al-Khaleej has also played 30 matches, with a record of 10 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses.
- Al-Khaleej has lost a staggering 17 points from winning positions this season — the highest in the league.
- This victory leaves Al-Hilal as the only undefeated team in the Saudi Pro League this season.
The historical context adds weight to this match. The last time Al-Khaleej defeated Al-Hilal was during the 2024/25 season. Notably, matches between these two teams have frequently favored Al-Hilal, with a common result being a 3-0 win for them on four occasions.
The upcoming clash against Al-Nassr on May 12 will be pivotal for both teams. A win for Al-Hilal could potentially shift the momentum in their favor as they strive for league supremacy.
