Al Ahli Pulls Off a Miraculous Comeback to Hold Al Hilal in Six-Goal Thriller | Saudi Football News
The Saudi Pro League witnessed one of its greatest spectacles at the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah as Al Ahli fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Al Hilal in front of a stunned but jubilant home crowd. The visitors, inspired by Malcom’s first-half masterclass, appeared to have the contest wrapped up before the break. Yet, football once again proved why it is the game of emotions, as Ivan Toney’s brace and Merih Demiral’s stoppage-time header turned despair into ecstasy for the hosts.This pulsating clash between two heavyweights not only delivered goals and drama but also underlined the fierce competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League. For Al Hilal, it felt like two points lost after a blistering first-half display, while Al Ahli celebrated the spirit and resilience that brought them back into the contest.
Al Hilal run riot in the first half, while Al Ahli showcased a miracle in the second
Despite being the away side, Al Hilal wasted no time stamping their authority. Theo Hernández opened the scoring in the 12th minute, driving home after being teed up by Malcom. The Brazilian then turned scorer himself, netting in the 24th minute from Darwin Núñez’s assist before adding another on 41 minutes after fine work by Salem Al-Dawsari.By half-time, Al Hilal were cruising 3-0 up, with Malcom boasting two goals and an assist, making him the clear standout performer. Interestingly, though, Al Ahli had more of the ball (60% possession in the first half) and looked sharp in passing but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.The turnaround began in the 78th minute. Substitute Firas Al-Buraikan’s sharp play set up Ivan Toney, who smashed in from close range. Nine minutes later, Riyad Mahrez’s clever delivery picked out Toney again, and the striker made no mistake to reduce the deficit to 3-2.With Al Hilal rattled, Al Ahli kept pressing. Deep into stoppage time, Mahrez once more delivered from a set-piece, finding Merih Demiral, who rose highest to thunder home a dramatic equaliser in the 90+1st minute. From the brink of humiliation, Al Ahli had secured one of the most remarkable comebacks in league history.
Al Ahli’s crucial second-half substitutions made a difference; numbers analysed
Statistically, Al Ahli dominated possession (60%), registered 22 shots compared to Al Hilal’s 11, and enjoyed superior pass accuracy (90%). Yet, Al Hilal were more clinical early on, with six shots on target, all in dangerous positions. Their xG of 1.96 reflected the quality of chances created, mainly through Malcom, who was deservedly man of the match.For Al Ahli, the introduction of substitutes, especially Al-Buraikan in the 64th minute, shifted the momentum of the game. The Saudi Arabian left winger’s unpredictable agility started opening gaps frequently, and the fruit yielded just 14 minutes later, when his precise pass to Toney bagged Al Ahli’s first goal.Mahrez’s leadership in the second half was also a crucial factor in turning the tide. The Algerian ended with two crucial assists, while Toney showed why he is such a lethal finisher. Demiral’s late goal not only salvaged a point but also highlighted Al Ahli’s fighting spirit.In the end, Al Ahli 3-3 Al Hilal will be remembered as a classic. Al Hilal will rue missed opportunities and their inability to manage the second half, while Al Ahli will cherish this as proof of their never-say-die attitude.The result leaves both clubs mid-table early in the season, but if this clash is a sign of things to come, the Saudi Pro League is in for a thrilling campaign.
