In a thrilling encounter at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Al Hilal and Al Shabab played to a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Saudi Pro League on April 21, 2025. This result leaves Al Hilal chasing the title, now sitting at 62 points from 29 matches, while Al Shabab continues to solidify their position in the top half of the league.
The match started with Al Shabab surprising the hosts by taking the lead just seven minutes in. Daniel Podence scored a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box, finding the top right corner after being set up by Musab Al Juwayr. The early goal set the tone for a competitive clash.
Al Hilal, determined to respond, found their equalizer in the 31st minute through Sergej Milinković-Savić. The Serbian international controlled a cross from Salem Al Dawsari with finesse before drilling the ball past the Al Shabab goalkeeper. The goal sparked a wave of momentum for the home side.
As the second half kicked off, Al Hilal came out firing. Just seconds after the restart, Malcom set up Al Dawsari, who made no mistake in putting the hosts ahead 2-1 in the 46th minute. The stadium erupted as Al Hilal seemed poised to secure a crucial victory.
However, Al Shabab had other plans. They fought back fiercely and found their equalizer in the 62nd minute when Mohammed Al Shwirekh headed in from a perfectly placed corner by Cristian Guanca. The visitors’ resilience paid off, leveling the score at 2-2.
With both teams pushing for a winner, the match continued to be a back-and-forth affair. Al Hilal, who had dominated in recent years, saw their chances of a title slip slightly as they dropped crucial points in the title race against leaders Al Ittihad.
Historically, Al Hilal has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 37 of their previous 65 encounters, while Al Shabab has managed only 10 victories, with 17 matches ending in draws. Despite this, Al Shabab's performance on the day showcased their ability to compete with the league's top teams.
In terms of recent form, Al Hilal entered the match on a high after a commanding 3-0 win over Al Khaleej, where captain Al Dawsari scored twice. On the other hand, Al Shabab was looking to bounce back after a disappointing goalless draw against Al Okhdood. Their ability to clinch a draw against the formidable Al Hilal is a testament to their resolve and ambition.
The match had a few notable moments, including Al Shabab's protests regarding Milinković-Savić's equalizer, claiming a foul in the buildup. However, the referee stood firm, allowing the goal to stand and booking Al Thani for dissent.
Looking at the league standings, Al Hilal remains in contention for the title, trailing Al Ittihad by three points. They have scored an impressive 79 goals this season, showcasing their attacking prowess under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus. Meanwhile, Al Shabab, now sitting in sixth place with 51 points, is on track for their best finish in a decade.
As the season nears its conclusion, Al Hilal will need to regroup quickly to maintain their title challenge, while Al Shabab can take pride in their performance and continue to build on their momentum. With both teams showcasing their strengths, the draw leaves fans eagerly anticipating their next encounters.
In the aftermath of the match, Al Hilal's players expressed their disappointment at not securing all three points. "We need to focus on our next games and ensure we don’t drop points again," said a determined Al Dawsari.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab's manager Fatih Terim praised his team's fighting spirit, stating, "This result shows that we can compete with the best. We will take this momentum into our next matches."
As the Saudi Pro League continues to heat up, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and rectify their weaknesses in the coming weeks. With the title race still wide open, every match counts as the season approaches its climax.
