The Roshn Saudi League kicked off its new season on August 14 with a dazzling display of football prowess by Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
The spotlight belonged to these two clubs as they illuminated the field in their opening matches. In a thrilling start, Brazilian sensation Malcom, who joined Al-Hilal from Zenit St. Petersburg in July, took center stage by netting a remarkable hat-trick.
His outstanding performance led Al-Hilal to a captivating 3-1 victory over Abha. Malcom’s brilliance was on full display throughout the game, leaving fans and pundits awestruck.
He showcased his skill and finesse in both halves, securing a triumphant beginning for the Riyadh-based team and reigniting their championship aspirations from the get-go.
As questions arose about Neymar’s potential impact, Malcom’s electrifying debut made it evident that Al-Hilal’s future looked bright indeed.
Despite missing key players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Hilal’s astute coach, Jorge Jesus, led his team with resilience and tactical acumen.
The breakthrough moment came in the 30th minute when a splendid pass from Abdullah Al-Hamdan found Nasser Al-Dawsari, who skillfully set up Malcom for a magnificent finish.
However, the game’s narrative took an unexpected twist shortly after. Saad Bguir of Abha seized an opportunity and delivered a stunning long-range shot, defying all expectations and equalizing the score.
The match intensified, with Ruben Neves orchestrating Al-Hilal’s rhythm from the midfield, turning them into a formidable force after halftime. Just ten minutes into the second half, Malcom once again showcased his prowess, capitalizing on Mohammed Al-Breik’s precise assist.
His agility and composure resulted in another goal, a low shot that proved too elusive for the determined Devis Epassy in the Abha goal. The climax of Malcom’s masterclass unfolded with thirteen minutes left on the clock.
Al-Hilal’s swift and strategic ball movement culminated in a stunning left-footed volley from Malcom, securing his hat-trick and etching his name into footballing history. Simultaneously, reigning champions Al-Ittihad kicked off their title defense with authority, securing a convincing 3-0 victory against Al-Raed.
With the midfield mastery of N’Golo Kante and Fabinho, as well as the attacking prowess of Karim Benzema, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Romarinho, and Igor Coronado, Al-Ittihad’s dominance was undeniable.
The match showcased the unwavering class and prowess of Al-Ittihad. Despite a disallowed goal due to offside, their relentless pursuit paid off.
Hamdallah, last season’s top scorer, displayed his brilliance by skillfully maneuvering past defenders and delivering a powerful strike that left no chance for Ahmad Al-Harbi in the opposing goal.
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