September 9: Al Hilal Suffer Shock Collapse as 47-Game Unbeaten Run Ends, €70 Million Star Struggles

On September 8 Beijing time, the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League produced a major upset. League leaders Al Hilal suffered a 0-2 home defeat against promoted side Neom SC, ending their five-game winning start and bringing their impressive 47-match unbeaten league run across seasons to an end. In the 15th minute of the first half, Kalidou Koulibaly accidentally scored an own goal to gift the opponents the lead; in the 45th minute, Kone added another goal. Al Hilal had more possession in the second half but were unable to find a solution. They created only one clear chance, while their opponents had three. The defeat gave Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, who have played one fewer match, renewed hope, and the balance of the title race has shifted.

In this match, Al Hilal's Premier League attacking trio, built with a reported €190 million spending spree during the summer window, completely failed to make an impact. €70 million signing Gabriel Martinelli made his first start, playing 84 minutes before being substituted. He had four shots with only one on target, completed zero successful dribbles and made zero key passes, receiving a match rating of just 6.6. Combined with his 22-minute substitute appearance in the previous match, Martinelli has recorded zero goals and zero assists in his first two games. Last season in the Premier League, he contributed only one goal and four assists, with his Transfermarkt value falling to €40 million, yet Al Hilal brought him to Saudi Arabia for a €70 million transfer fee, a deal that has drawn criticism.

More concerningly, this is not the first time Al Hilal have faltered in an important match. In the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 in April this year, Al Hilal surrendered a lead three times in regulation time before being held to a 3-3 draw by Al Sadd. In the penalty shootout, Karim Benzema and Bouabre both missed, leading to a 5-7 aggregate elimination. At the time, the team had a star-studded squad valued at €200 million and were considered the top favorites for the Asian title, but they failed to reach the quarter-finals. Head coach Simone Inzaghi's tactical decisions came under scrutiny. Now, with their unbeaten league record ended by a promoted team, the club backed by high expectations from the Saudi royal family is under increasing pressure.

By contrast, Arsenal appear to have benefited from the deal. The €70 million received from Martinelli's transfer under Mikel Arteta was followed by the €40 million signing of Tzolis, whose three assists have demonstrated his ability. Arsenal gained significant transfer funds through the move and also addressed squad adjustment issues. Meanwhile, Al Hilal's other forwards, Summerville and Watkins, have also struggled for form. The €190 million attacking trio has collectively lost momentum, and Al Hilal lead Al Nassr by only three points despite having played one more match. The once-dominant Saudi powerhouse is now being approached by Ronaldo's side, and the 0-2 defeat may not only end a record but also reshape the Saudi Pro League title race.

Al Hilal