Saudi Gazette report

ALJOUF — Al Hilal delivered a dominant second-half performance in Sakakah, securing a commanding 5-0 win over Al Orobah at Al Jouf University Stadium on Saturday.

The victory propelled the reigning Roshn Saudi League champions back to the top of the table, level with Al Ittihad on 37 points but ahead on goal difference.

The Matchweek 14 clash was marked by key absences for both sides.

Al Hilal were without captain Salem Al Dawsari and top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, while Al Orobah missed Kurt Zouma, Jean Michael Seri, and Johann Berg Gudmundsson, among others.

Ruben Neves opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Mohammed Al Qahtani was fouled.

Ali Al Bulayhi doubled the lead early in the second half with a precise header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross.

Renan Lodi added a third, finishing emphatically from a narrow angle after a pass from Malcom.

Marcos Leonardo, stepping in for Mitrovic, scored twice late in the match.

His first goal came after a scramble in the box, while his second was the result of a slick Brazilian combination with Malcom and Lodi.

The emphatic win put Al Hilal atop the league standings, while Al Orobah, under new coach Adnan Hamad, face a daunting relegation battle.