NEOM S.C. handed Al Hilal a rare defeat with a 2-0 win at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, ending the Riyadh club's 47-match unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League during Matchweek Five of the 2026-27 season.
The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute when Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly turned the ball into his own net. NEOM doubled their advantage just before the break, with Alaa Al Hejji scoring in the 45th minute to send the sides into half-time with a two-goal cushion.
The result carries weight beyond the three points. Al Hilal had gone an extended stretch without a league loss, and their 47-match run had become one of the notable streaks in recent Saudi football. Ending it inside their home city adds to the significance of NEOM's performance.
For fans following the league across the Kingdom, the match is a reminder of how competitive the Saudi Pro League has grown, with clubs increasingly able to challenge established sides on the biggest stages. Kingdom Arena, one of Riyadh's largest venues, once again hosted a high-profile fixture that drew wide attention among residents and expats alike.
Attention now turns to how both clubs respond in the coming rounds as the 2026-27 season continues to take shape.
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