On May 5, 2026, Al-Hilal defeated Al-Khaleej 2-1 in a tense match at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam. This victory keeps Al-Hilal firmly in the title race, closing the gap to league leaders Al-Nassr.
The match began with an early goal from Joshua King, who scored for Al-Khaleej in the 11th minute. His strike put Al-Khaleej ahead and set a challenging tone for Al-Hilal.
However, Al-Hilal responded effectively. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalized shortly after the half-hour mark, bringing hope back to their fans. The match remained level until the late stages.
In the 79th minute, Sultan Mandash emerged as the match winner for Al-Hilal. His decisive goal ensured that they not only secured three points but also maintained their unbeaten record this season.
As of midday on May 5, Al-Hilal is now just two points behind leaders Al-Nassr. They have played 30 matches this season, winning 22 and drawing 8.
Conversely, this loss adds to Al-Khaleej’s struggles. They have lost a staggering 17 points from winning positions this season—the highest in the league. Their last victory over Al-Hilal dates back to the 2024/25 season.
Next up for Al-Hilal is a crucial match against Al-Nassr on May 12. This upcoming clash will be pivotal in determining the title race outcome.
