Al Hilal Cut Al Nassr's Lead to Five Points with 3-0 Victory Over Al Hazem

Key facts

• Al Hilal defeated Al Hazem 3-0 at Ar-Rass Stadium on May 2, 2026.
• Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 9th minute.
• Marcos Leonardo doubled the lead after coming off the bench in the 65th minute.
• Ruben Neves converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win.
• Al Hilal trail leaders Al Nassr by five points with a game in hand and four matches remaining.
• Al Hazem remain ninth in the table with 10 wins from 30 games.
• Al Hilal have not lost to Al Hazem in their last nine meetings.

Clinical Performance Keeps Title Hopes Alive

Al Hilal delivered a composed 3-0 victory over Al Hazem at Ar-Rass Stadium on Saturday, reducing the gap to league leaders Al Nassr to five points with a game in hand. The defending champions, trailing by eight points before kickoff, responded with a disciplined display that kept their title aspirations firmly alive. Karim Benzema struck in the ninth minute to give the visitors an early lead, setting the tone for a match Al Hilal controlled from the outset. The French striker's goal was his sixth in 21 league appearances this season, providing a crucial breakthrough against a stubborn Al Hazem defense.

Late Surge Seals the Win

Al Hilal managed the game effectively after Benzema's opener, but it was not until the closing stages that they doubled their advantage. Marcos Leonardo, introduced as a substitute in the 65th minute, finished clinically to make it 2-0, capitalizing on a well-worked move. Ruben Neves then wrapped up the victory from the penalty spot in stoppage time, converting with composure to secure all three points. The Brazilian midfielder's goal capped a dominant performance that underscored Al Hilal's depth and resilience.

Inzaghi's Squad Depth Praised

Malcom, who played a key role in the buildup, highlighted the collective strength of Simone Inzaghi's squad after the match. "Every game is difficult," he said. "We played well and the most important thing is to win the three points. We continue to believe." The Brazilian also pointed to the depth available to Inzaghi, noting that substitutes like Marcos Leonardo made a decisive impact. Al Hilal's ability to rotate effectively has been a hallmark of their campaign, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also contributing with goals in back-to-back matches.

Al Hazem's Mid-Table Stalemate

Al Hazem, led by Jalel Kadri, entered the match after a 1-1 draw with Neom SC and remain ninth in the Saudi Pro League with 10 wins from 30 games. Despite the defeat, they have shown resilience this season, securing three wins in their last five attempts. Omar Al Somah, the 37-year-old striker, has scored six goals in 21 league games and will be key to Al Hazem's hopes of climbing the table. However, their recent record against Al Hilal is poor, with no wins in the last nine meetings between the sides.

Title Race Down to the Wire

Al Hilal's victory keeps them firmly in the hunt for a second consecutive league title. With five points separating them from Al Nassr and a game in hand, the champions have four matches remaining to close the gap. "We continue to believe," Malcom said, reflecting the mood in the camp. The team's momentum is building, and with key players hitting form at the right time, Al Hilal remain determined to take the race down to the final weeks. Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will be looking to maintain their advantage as the season reaches its climax.

The bottom line

• Al Hilal's 3-0 win over Al Hazem reduces the gap to Al Nassr to five points with a game in hand.
• Karim Benzema's early goal and contributions from substitutes highlight the squad's depth.
• Al Hilal have not lost to Al Hazem in their last nine meetings, dominating the head-to-head record.
• Al Hazem remain ninth in the league, with 10 wins from 30 games and a mid-table position.
• The Saudi Pro League title race is set for a tense finish, with four matches remaining for Al Hilal.