Al-Hilal's remarkable 47-match unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League came to an abrupt end as Neom stunned the 19-time Saudi champions 2-0 at home, handing Simone Inzaghi his first league defeat since taking charge. The result also ended Al-Hilal's perfect start to the season after five successive victories and opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr to draw level on points at the top of the standings.
Inzaghi deployed all three of Al-Hilal's high-profile attacking recruits, acquired from Premier League clubs for a combined fee reported to exceed $200 million, but the hosts failed to register a shot on target for the first time this season. Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli made his first start after completing his move from Arsenal on Thursday, while former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins featured just four days after joining the Riyadh club. Former West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, signed in July, completed the expensive attacking trio, but Al-Hilal were unable to turn their possession and firepower into a goal.
Koulibaly own goal proves costly
Neom took the lead after just 15 minutes when former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly turned the ball into his own net, putting Al-Hilal under early pressure. Ivory Coast midfielder Amadou Kone then doubled the visitors' advantage shortly before half-time, leaving the hosts with a two-goal deficit they were unable to overturn after the break.
The defeat brings an end to one of the Saudi Pro League's longest recent unbeaten sequences and gives Al-Nassr an immediate opportunity to capitalise. Ronaldo's side can move level on points with league leaders Al-Hilal if they defeat Abha on Thursday, potentially tightening the title race only six matches into the season.