Benzema Strikes Early as Al Hilal Beat Al Hazem 3-0 to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Key facts

• Karim Benzema scored in the 9th minute to open the scoring.
• Marcos Leonardo doubled the lead in the 65th minute after coming off the bench.
• Ruben Neves converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal the 3-0 win.
• Al Hilal remain unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League this season (21 wins, 8 draws).
• Al Hilal sit second with 74 points, five behind leaders Al Nassr with a game in hand.
• Al Hazem are ninth with 38 points, safe from relegation after promotion.
• Al Hilal have won all five of their last meetings against Al Hazem.
• The match was played at Ar-Rass Stadium (Al Hazm Club Stadium) on May 2, 2026.

Clinical Victory in Ar Rass

Al Hilal kept their Roshn Saudi League title hopes alive with a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Hazem at the Al Hazem Club Stadium in Ar Rass on Saturday. The reigning champions, trailing leaders Al Nassr by eight points before kickoff, responded with a composed performance to reduce the gap and maintain pressure in the title race. Karim Benzema struck early, finding the net in the ninth minute to give the visitors control. The Brazilian forward Malcom, who later provided an assist, said after the match: “Every game is difficult. We played well and the most important thing is to win the three points. We continue to believe.” Al Hilal managed the game effectively before Marcos Leonardo doubled the lead in the 65th minute, finishing clinically after coming off the bench. Ruben Neves then wrapped up the win with a stoppage-time penalty, securing all three points and a clean sheet.

Title Race Dynamics

Despite the deficit, Al Hilal remain firmly in the hunt, sitting five points behind Al Nassr with a game in hand and four matches still to play. The victory reduced the gap from eight points to five, keeping the title race alive as the season enters its final weeks. Simone Inzaghi’s side have been the Saudi Pro League’s most consistent team this season, remaining unbeaten across 29 league matches with a record of 21 wins and eight draws. Their attacking numbers continue to impress, with 76 goals scored and only 25 conceded across the campaign. Al Hilal also have an away record of nine wins and four draws without a single defeat, a testament to their threat regardless of venue. Malcom highlighted the squad depth available to Inzaghi, pointing to the team’s collective strength as they push for a late title surge.

Al Hazem’s Mid-Season Safety

Al Hazem entered the fixture unbeaten in their last six home games, with five wins during that run. However, the head-to-head record offered little encouragement, as Al Hilal had won all five of their previous meetings, the most recent a 3-0 victory. Jalel Kadri’s side sit ninth in the table with 38 points from 10 wins, eight draws and 12 defeats, a position that confirms their top-flight status for another season following promotion. Relegation is no longer a concern for the newly promoted team, which has exceeded expectations in their first season back in the Pro League. Their recent form has been a blend of resilience and inconsistency, with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five outings, producing 10 goals scored and seven conceded. The most recent fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against NEOM SC, a result that typified a side capable of competing but unable to consistently convert that competitiveness into maximum points.

Match Details and Lineups

The match was played at Ar-Rass Stadium (Al Hazm Club Stadium) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 18:00 UTC. Al Hilal’s starting lineup included goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defenders Moteb Al Harbi, Hassan Al Tambakti, Rúben Neves, and Akçiçek, with Hernández in midfield alongside Malcom, Milinkovic-Savic, Mohamed Kanno, and Salem Al Dawsari, and Karim Benzema leading the attack. Substitutions saw Marcos Leonardo, Sultan Mandash, and Nasser Al Dawsari enter the fray in the 65th minute, while Nawaf Al Habashi, Miguel Carvalho, Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe, Yousef Al-Shammari, Mohammed Al-Yami, and Abdulkarim Darisi came on for Al Hazem. Al Hazem’s Saïmon Bouabré was listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. The referee was Saud Al Rashed, assisted by Sultan Tanker, Abdurahman Al Dakheel, and Ahmed Al Nakhli.

Outlook and Remaining Fixtures

With momentum building and belief intact, Al Hilal remain determined to take the title race down to the final weeks. The reigning champions have also reached the King’s Cup of Champions final, offering another opportunity for silverware this season. Al Hazem, now safe from relegation, will look to finish the season on a high note and consolidate their mid-table position. Their home form has been a bright spot, and they will aim to continue that run in their remaining fixtures. For Al Hilal, every remaining match is effectively a must-win if they are to overhaul Al Nassr. The game in hand provides a crucial advantage, but consistency will be key as the season reaches its climax.

The bottom line

• Al Hilal defeated Al Hazem 3-0 with goals from Benzema, Leonardo, and Neves, cutting Al Nassr's lead to five points with a game in hand.
• Al Hilal remain unbeaten in the league this season, with 21 wins and 8 draws from 29 matches.
• Al Hazem are ninth with 38 points, safe from relegation after promotion.
• Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 9th minute, his second goal in as many games.
• Al Hilal have won all five of their last meetings against Al Hazem.
• The title race remains alive with four matches left, and Al Hilal also have a King's Cup final to play.