Al Khaleej defeats Al Hilal 3-2, breaking a 57-match unbeaten streak.

In an amazing game, Al Khaleej defeats Al Hilal, the league leader 3-2 , handing them their first domestic defeat in 551 days.

The setback, which occurred during Round 11 of the Saudi Pro League, brought an end to Al Hilal’s extraordinary 46-match unbeaten streak in the league, which includes a world-record 34 straight wins across all competitions.

This historic victory was orchestrated by Georgios Donis, a former Al Hilal coach who led an Al Khaleej team that had only one point in 14 prior meetings with the defending champions.

Al Khaleej’s club-record fourth consecutive win moves them up to sixth place in the league standings, 19 points ahead of Al Ahli and three points behind Al Nassr, Al Shabab, and future opponents Al Qadsiah.

[Play & Win]

In front of 17,150 supporters at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium, Al Hilal appeared to be on course for another straightforward victory.

Brazilian attacker Marcos Leonardo scored in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive blunder following a beautiful ball from Sergej Milinković-Savić.

In the 37th minute, Aleksandar Mitrović extended the lead with a powerful header from a Salem Al-Dawsari corner, securing his position as the league’s top scorer.

The Turning Point

However, the turning point occurred shortly before halftime, when Kalidou Koulibaly fouled Pedro Rebocho in the penalty area.

Yassine Bono saved Konstantinos Fortounis’ penalty attempt, but Abdullah Al Salem scored on the rebound, giving Al Khaleej hope.

Al Salem scored again in the 47th minute when the yellow and green side resumed their play after the half. After receiving a well-placed ball from Khaled Narey, the forward finished coolly to tie the score at 2-2. This was Al Salem’s third consecutive brace and seventh goal of the season, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo as the top Saudi scorer in the competition.

The comeback was completed in the 85th minute when Narey provided another pinpoint assist, setting up veteran Fabio Martins for a simple tap-in. Martins’ score sparked wild celebrations from the home crowd, leaving Al Hilal players and staff noticeably stunned.

Al Hilal’s first league defeat since May 2023 reduces their tally to 28 points, perhaps compromising their top status. Rivals Al Ittihad might overtake them if they win against Al Fateh on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Al Khaleej’s win not only signals a watershed event, but it also continues their meteoric growth.

The team’s recent form demonstrates their increasing competitiveness, with key matches against major contenders on the horizon.

This encounter will be remembered as a turning point in the 2023-24 Roshn Saudi League season.