How did Al-Hilal’s late winner impact the title race?

On May 5, 2026, Al-Hilal clinched a vital 2-1 victory against Al-Khaleej at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, keeping their title aspirations alive in the Saudi Pro League.

The match began with an unexpected twist. Just 11 minutes in, Joshua King put Al-Khaleej ahead, sending shockwaves through the Al-Hilal camp. However, the home side responded swiftly. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalized shortly after the half-hour mark, shifting momentum back in favor of Al-Hilal.

As the game approached its final moments, tension filled the air. Fans held their breath—would Al-Hilal find a way to secure all three points? In the 79th minute, Sultan Mandash emerged as the match winner, scoring a late goal that sent the crowd into ecstasy.

This victory was significant for several reasons. First, it brought Al-Hilal within two points of league leaders Al-Nassr, intensifying the ongoing title race. With only a few matches left in the season, every point becomes critical.

Currently, Al-Hilal stands as the only undefeated team in the Saudi Pro League this season. They have played 30 matches, winning 22 and drawing 8—a remarkable record that underscores their dominance. In contrast, Al-Khaleej has struggled this season, losing a staggering 17 points from winning positions—the highest in the league.

This context matters because it illustrates not just Al-Hilal’s strength but also highlights areas where other teams falter. The last time Al-Khaleej triumphed over Al-Hilal was during the 2024/25 season—an indication of how dominant Al-Hilal has been historically.

Looking ahead, Al-Hilal’s next match against Al-Nassr on May 12 promises to be a thrilling encounter that could determine who ultimately claims the title. As both teams prepare for this showdown, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this fierce rivalry unfolds.