With the rescheduled Matchday 10 now in motion, Al-Hilal travelled to Qassim to meet one of the campaign’s surprise packages, Al-Taawoun. Under Péricles Chamusca, back for a second spell in charge since last summer, the hosts have established themselves as a solid upper mid-table outfit.
With the rescheduled Matchday 10 now in motion, Al-Hilal travelled to Qassim to meet one of the campaign’s surprise packages, Al-Taawoun. Under Péricles Chamusca, back for a second spell in charge since last summer, the hosts have established themselves as a solid upper mid-table outfit.
Al-Hilal arrived needing a response after surrendering points against 10-man Al-Ittihad. Sitting a point behind city rivals Al-Nassr, the pressure remains high, especially with a tougher run of fixtures ahead. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr prepares to face bottom-placed Al-Najma, who have managed only one victory in 22 matches.
The visitors were without Karim Benzema, sidelined for several games with an adductor issue according to L'Équipe. Simone Inzaghi turned to Marcos Leonardo instead. Recently excluded from team training after voicing frustration at not being registered as a regular league player, the Brazilian’s return to the starting XI illustrated the delicate balance of the squad situation.
The first half unfolded amid controversy. In the 36th minute, Théo Hernández stretched for a loose ball ahead of Mohammed Mahzari and was brought down, prompting a VAR check. A penalty was awarded, and Rúben Neves calmly converted. The decision quickly circulated online, especially following refereeing disputes earlier in the week involving Al-Ahli and Damac.
Penalty drama continued shortly after the opener. A Roger Martinez free kick appeared destined for goal before striking Sergej Milinković-Savić’s arm. Another review led to another spot-kick, and Martinez converted to restore parity before the break.
Marcos Leonardo endured a frustrating evening. Apart from a moment in stoppage time of the first half when he seemed to be pulled down by Mailson inside the box — with no penalty given — he offered little threat. His performance did not ease concerns surrounding his uncertain role in the squad.
After the interval, Al-Hilal failed to raise their intensity in the manner expected. Their positioning lacked cohesion, and their finishing edge was missing. Though opportunities were fashioned, the usual sharpness associated with the Blues was absent.
Al-Taawoun, meanwhile, executed their plan effectively. Chamusca deployed a classic 5-4-1 system, pressing with greater liberty while favouring a measured build-up. When forced deep, the structure quickly condensed, with at least nine players shielding central spaces and limiting clear openings.
Unlike the earlier meeting with Al-Okhdood — when Benzema marked his debut with a hat-trick — Al-Hilal struggled to dismantle a compact defensive block. This time, space was scarce, and patience did not yield the same reward.
Deep into stoppage time, a decisive opportunity went begging. Leonardo found room on the right flank and sent a delivery toward Salem Al-Dawsari, who appeared poised for a clean attempt on goal. The ball evaded him, and moments later the final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw.
The dropped points add fresh tension to Al-Hilal’s pursuit of the summit, leaving their title ambitions under renewed scrutiny.
