Al Hilal hands Al-Riyadh 6-1 thrashing in Neymar's debut

Published on September 19, 2023

Doha, Qatar: Brazilian superstar Neymar made his debut for Al Hilal in style on Saturday as the Saudi Arabian giants thrashed Riyadh rivals Al-Riyadh 6-1 in the Saudi Pro League.

 

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The 30-year-old, who joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record deal in the summer, was handed a starting place by manager Jorge Jesus and he did not disappoint.

 

Neymar opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a superb free-kick from the edge of the box and he added a second before the half-hour mark with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper.

 

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Al Hilal were in complete control and they went 3-0 up just after the break when Musa Marega tapped home from close range.

Al-Riyadh pulled a goal back through Saleh Al-Shehri in the 60th minute, but Al Hilal quickly restored their three-goal advantage when Mohammed Kanno scored from a powerful long-range shot.

 

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Neymar then completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute with a clinical finish from inside the box.

Al Hilal continued to dominate and they added a sixth goal in stoppage time when substitute Salem Al-Dawsari scored with a fine individual effort.

The win was a perfect start to the season for Al Hilal and it will send a warning to their rivals that they are the team to beat in the Saudi Pro League this season.

Neymar's impact

Neymar's arrival at Al Hilal has been met with great excitement and anticipation, and he certainly lived up to the billing on his debut.

The Brazilian was the star of the show and he was involved in all of Al Hilal's goals.

He scored a hat-trick, provided an assist and was a constant menace to the Al-Riyadh defence.

Neymar's signing is a huge coup for Al Hilal and it is clear that he is already having a major impact on the team.

Al Hilal's title ambitions

Al Hilal are the most successful team in Saudi Arabian history and they are the defending champions of the Saudi Pro League.

With the addition of Neymar to their squad, Al Hilal are now even stronger and they will be the favourites to win the title again this season.

Neymar's arrival has also raised Al Hilal's profile on the global stage and the club will be hoping to make a deep impression in the AFC Champions League this season.