RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League title race entered a new phase on Sunday as Al-Hilal climbed to the top of the table for the first time this season following a 2-0 away victory over Damac.
With more than a third of the 2025/26 campaign now complete, Simone Inzaghi’s side moved one point clear of city rivals Al-Nassr after 12 rounds, capitalizing on Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-Ahli earlier in the weekend.
Al-Nassr’s near-perfect start, 10 wins and a draw from their opening 11 matches, had kept them at the summit for 11 weeks, but the door was left open for Al-Hilal, who seized the opportunity in Abha.
The race now gathers further momentum, with Al-Hilal hosting Al-Hazem next week and Al-Nassr welcoming Al-Qadsiah on the same night, before attention turns to the highly anticipated Capital Derby on January 12.
Al-Hilal’s victory at Damac never appeared in doubt. The hosts set up in a compact 5-4-1 formation in an attempt to limit space for Malcom and Theo Hernandez, yet the visitors’ pressure told.
A relentless high press forced a Damac error in the 35th minute, allowing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to deliver a precise cross across goal for Darwin Nunez, who converted for his first goal of the calendar year.
Damac offered sporadic threat from set-pieces, but Mohammed Al-Rubaie — deputising for Yassine Bounou — endured a largely quiet evening, called into action just once.
Al-Hilal remained cautious, mindful of surrendering a half-time lead at the same venue last season before salvaging a late equaliser. This time, they ensured there would be no repeat.
Marcos Leonardo sealed the win eight minutes after the break, finding space behind the defence to finish after goalkeeper Kewin parried Núñez’s initial effort into his path.
After 12 rounds, Al-Hilal lead the standings on 32 points, marking their first spell at the summit this season.
Elsewhere, Alexandre Lacazette scored his fifth goal of the campaign as NEOM edged Al-Hazem 2-1 to climb above Al-Ettifaq into seventh place.
In the Eastern Province, Al-Qadsiah produced a dominant display, thrashing Al-Riyadh 4-0 in a match that featured the fastest goal of the season, scored by Julián Quiñones after just 17 seconds.
The Saudi Pro League pauses for three days before returning on Thursday, with Al-Hilal hosting Al-Hazem to open round 14.
