On February 28, 2025, fans witnessed another thrilling chapter in the fierce rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Ahli at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This intense clash ended with Al Ahli narrowly defeating Al Hilal 3-2, solidifying Al Ahli’s position as strong competitors within the Roshan Saudi League.
The match kicked off with both teams showcasing their tactical acumen and athleticism, making large swathes of the pitch their battleground. The first breakthrough came from Al Ahli’s forward, Ivan Toney, who scored the opening goal just two minutes after the second half began, putting the pressure squarely on Al Hilal.
Building on their momentum, Toney struck again with his second goal shortly after, at the 54-minute mark, extending Al Ahli’s lead to 2-0. The energy of Al Ahli’s fans seemed to surge through the stands at the arena, fueling the players’ competitiveness.
Al Hilal, determined not to let the situation escalate, responded with vigor. Salem Al Dawsari, renowned for his remarkable skills and tenacity, netted Al Hilal's first goal of the match at the 74-minute mark, bringing them back to within one goal of their opponents.
Hope blossomed among the Al Hilal fans, who filled the stands with cheers and chants. They saw their team quickly earning back some ground before Al Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo executed a penalty kick successfully, leveling the score to 2-2 just moments later, at the 83rd minute.
Yet, the fierce competition didn’t relent there. Al Ahli’s Toney, the match's standout performer, sealed the game with his third goal of the night just five minutes before full-time, ensuring Al Ahli’s victory at 3-2.
Al Ahli's head coach praised the effort of his team, highlighting their perseverance through every phase of the match. Ivan Toney's performance, which saw him score all three goals for his team, demonstrated the immense pressure he can exert on defenses, earning him applause from the sidelines and fans alike.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s players, including Malcom, expressed disappointment but were optimistic about their potential to bounce back. "We are all good. The most important is to keep adding points. And hoping our rivals lose some points," said Malcom, reflecting on the match and their overall standing.
The match not only showcased the thrilling capabilities of both teams but also drew attention to the intense rivalry known as the Saudi Clasico. The competition between Al Hilal and Al Ahli continues to captivate fans, with both clubs vying for supremacy as the season progresses.
With the standings tightening, as Al Hilal currently lies four points behind league leaders Al Ittihad after this match, every game will count significantly. Both teams will need to assert themselves as the league approaches its final stretch. Al Hilal’s next challenges will be to recover quickly and prepare for upcoming matches; their commitment to winning is unwavering, as they aim to reclaim the championship title.
Al Ahli’s victory adds depth to their ambition within the league as they chase their own titles. Following this win, the morale of the entire squad will likely bolster, serving as motivation for the upcoming fixtures. The road to the championship remains treacherous but ensures fans will see more gripping matchups as the season approaches its climax.