Al Hilal’s dominance was evident from the opening minutes of the game. The team’s superior squad strength allowed them to dictate the pace and control the flow of play. Just nine minutes into the match, the Saudi Pro League leaders showcased their prowess as Malcom found the back of the net, putting Al Hilal ahead and setting the stage for what seemed like a promising encounter.
However, despite their early success, Al Hilal’s strikers began to falter. Mitrovic, in particular, found himself in prime positions but failed to capitalize on multiple occasions. Neymar, too, was closely marked by Damac’s defense, making it challenging for him to weave his usual magic on the pitch.
Neymar’s debut as part of Al Hilal’s starting lineup didn’t leave the indelible mark many had hoped for. As the game progressed, Al Hilal struggled to convert their dominance into additional goals, and Damac, sensing an opportunity, mounted counter-attacks with intent. It was in the 68th minute that Damac’s persistence paid off when their midfield maestro, Stanciu, broke through Al Hilal’s defense, leveling the score with a well-executed strike.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 1-1. Intriguingly, Damac had even managed more shots than Al Hilal, with 14 attempts (4 on target) compared to Al Hilal’s 10 (2 on target). It was a frustrating outcome for Neymar and his teammates, who found themselves pondering missed opportunities and the concession of a goal despite their control of the match.
This match marked Al Hilal’s second consecutive draw in various competitions, a result that may raise concerns despite their dominant position in the league.
After seven rounds, Neymar’s team amassed 17 points, holding a slim one-point lead over the second-placed Al Taawoon. However, Al Hilal remains under the threat of being overtaken by Al Ittihad, a team with 15 points and a match in hand.
Al Hilal vs. Damac was a clash that promised much but delivered a result that left fans and pundits alike pondering what might have been. Neymar’s debut in the Saudi Pro League was an intriguing subplot, and while the team showcased their dominance in many aspects, they ultimately fell short of securing a decisive victory against their lower-ranked opponents.
With the league table in flux, the race for supremacy in the Saudi Pro League continues, and Al Hilal will be keen to regain their winning momentum in the matches ahead.
