Al-Hilal continued their dominant start to the Saudi Pro-League campaign with a 5:1 victory over Al-Qadsiah on Thursday. The visitors were clinical in the opening exchanges, leaving the hosts to chase the game from the outset. To be fair, the hosts had their moments, but they couldn't find an answer against a side in full flow.
M. Meite struck first in the 15th minute to set the tone for the away side. S. Milinkovic-Savic followed up before the hosts responded through S. Al Amri. The visitors then went on the attack again, with T. Hernandez and C. Summerville scoring in quick succession. S. Mandash ensured the break was comfortable for the away side, capitalising on the momentum they had built throughout the half.
The second half offered little hope of a comeback. Al-Hilal missed a golden opportunity to kill the tie off in the 67th minute, when Musa Barrow failed to convert a penalty. It was a rare moment of hesitation for a side that had otherwise controlled the tempo. By then, the result was beyond doubt.
The dominance was evident in the numbers as well. Al-Hilal enjoyed 53 per cent of the ball and registered an expected goals figure of 4.3. The hosts managed only 1.39 xG despite 72 attacks. They had more shots off target than on, a sign of desperation rather than planning.
The win keeps Al-Hilal in contention for the title. They sit second with nine points from three games, having won all three outings. Al-Qadsiah languish in 14th place with three points from four matches, having failed to secure a victory so far.