RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — Darwin Núñez delivered the perfect finishing touch to a masterful Al Hilal performance, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Al Hazem at Kingdom Arena that dramatically illustrated the gulf in class between Saudi Pro League contenders and pretenders.
The comprehensive triumph began with Sergej Milinković-Savić breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute, exploiting a momentary defensive lapse to fire home after Al Hazem's backline failed to clear a dangerous incoming cross. The goal was a fitting reward for Al Hilal's early dominance, as they had already unleashed a barrage of threatening attempts while methodically controlling the match's tempo through crisp, intelligent passing and relentless movement.
Al Hilal's tactical supremacy intensified after the break, with Rúben Neves extending the lead in the 56th minute. The Portuguese midfield maestro demonstrated exquisite technical prowess, delivering a perfectly weighted finish that left the Al Hazem goalkeeper rooted to the spot—a testament to the home side's superior technical ability and tactical discipline.
The midfield battle was decisively one-sided, with Al Hilal's triumvirate of Milinković-Savić, Neves, and supporting players completely overwhelming Al Hazem's attempts to establish any meaningful possession. The visitors appeared desperately out of their depth, managing just six shots compared to Al Hilal's commanding 14, with their lone effort on target epitomizing their impotent display in the attacking third.
Statistical dominance underscored Al Hilal's control, with 60.6% possession allowing them to pin Al Hazem into their defensive third for extended periods. The hosts' clinical efficiency was evident in their shooting, with seven shots finding the target compared to Al Hazem's solitary attempt. The visitors' goalkeeper was forced into a remarkable four saves, a clear indication of the relentless pressure applied throughout the encounter.
The match's narrative shifted definitively early in the second half, when Al Hilal accelerated their performance following Neves' goal. Their increased intensity and precision left Al Hazem chasing shadows, with the visitors appearing increasingly overwhelmed by the sophisticated movement and tactical intelligence of their opponents. Tactical substitutions from both coaches failed to alter the fundamental imbalance, as Al Hilal's superior squad depth and individual quality continued to shine.
Darwin Núñez, introduced in the 69th minute, provided the perfect punctuation to his team's dominant display. The Uruguayan striker needed just 21 minutes on the pitch to find the net, showcasing the clinical finishing that has made him such a transformative addition to Al Hilal's already formidable attacking lineup. His 90th-minute goal served as a fitting crescendo to a performance that reaffirmed Al Hilal's status as serious title contenders.
The comprehensive nature of the victory was reflected in multiple statistical categories. Al Hilal earned seven corner kicks compared to Al Hazem's paltry two, translating this set-piece advantage into sustained offensive pressure that the visitors proved utterly incapable of neutralizing. Their defensive structure systematically disintegrated under the weight of Al Hilal's technical superiority and tactical organization.
Al Hazem's struggles were brutally exposed, with their attacking players consistently isolated and starved of meaningful service. Recent form had suggested they would face significant challenges against such accomplished opposition, and their performance confirmed those apprehensions in devastating fashion.
The pristine clean sheet represented a testament to Al Hilal's defensive solidity, with their backline rarely challenged by Al Hazem's limited and increasingly desperate attacking attempts. The hosts' goalkeeper was called into action just once, further emphasizing the match's fundamentally one-sided nature.
Looking ahead, Al Hilal will host Al Nassr on January 12 in a blockbuster encounter that promises to be another showcase of their emerging domestic dominance. Al Hazem, meanwhile, will travel to face Al Najma, seeking desperately to recover from this comprehensive and humbling defeat.