In a dramatic Saudi Pro League clash on Friday, Ivan Toney’s second-half hat-trick powered Al-Ahli to a stunning 3-2 victory over Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena, dealing a massive blow to Al-Hilal’s title aspirations. The result leaves Al-Hilal five points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad, with manager Lauren Blanc’s side now under pressure to bounce back in their upcoming match against Al-Okhdood on Sunday.
The first half was a cagey affair with few clear chances, but the game exploded into life just two minutes after the restart. Toney opened the scoring with a strike that took a slight deflection off Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before nestling into the net. The English striker then doubled his tally and Al-Ahli’s lead with a composed finish inside the box, following a slick assist from Galeno.
Al-Hilal, however, fought back valiantly. Captain Salem Al Dawsari pulled one back for the hosts, and they were awarded a penalty after Ali Majrashi handled the ball in the box. Marcos Leonardo stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick in the 81st minute, seemingly rescuing a point for Al-Hilal. But Toney had the final say, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to latch onto a long ball from Gabri Veiga and slot home a left-footed winner in the dying moments.
The victory lifted Al-Ahli level on points with Al-Nassr in the standings, while Al-Hilal’s title hopes now hang in the balance.
Ivan Toney’s Hat-Trick Stuns Al-Hilal in Thrilling 3-2 Victory for Al-Ahli
