Al-Hilal Saudi FC vs Al-Fateh Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Al-Hilal Dominates Al-Fateh, Solidifying Title Aspirations with 2-1 Victory

Al-Hilal Saudi FC's commanding performance against Al-Fateh showcased their title credentials, maintaining an unbeaten streak in the Pro League. With this victory, Al-Hilal remains firmly in third place, now boasting 20 points from eight matches, while Al-Fateh languishes in fifteenth with only five points. The disparity in form between these two teams could not be more pronounced.

Al-Hilal's midfield dominance was evident throughout the match, reflected in their staggering 78% ball possession. This control allowed them to dictate the tempo and create opportunities, a stark contrast to Al-Fateh's struggles to maintain any semblance of possession. The statistics reveal that Al-Hilal completed 134 passes compared to Al-Fateh's mere 38, underscoring the latter's inability to build any meaningful attacks.

Darwin Núñez emerged as a key figure for Al-Hilal, scoring the opener and continuing his impressive form. His goal marked a continuation of his scoring streak, which has seen him find the net consistently in recent matches. This performance reinforces his status as a crucial player in Al-Hilal's title chase, especially after his contributions in previous games where he has been pivotal in securing victories.

Al-Fateh's defensive frailties were once again exposed, as they struggled to contain Al-Hilal's attacking threats. Despite managing to score through Mourad Batna's early penalty, their overall performance was lackluster. The team has now conceded five goals in their last league match against Al Taawon and continues to show vulnerabilities that have plagued them throughout the season. Their inability to effectively challenge Al-Hilal's forwards like Malcom and Marcos Leonardo left them on the back foot for most of the match.

The contrasting recent forms of both teams set the stage for this encounter. Al-Hilal entered the match with four consecutive victories, including a dominant display against Al Najma where they recorded 71% possession and 18 total shots. In stark contrast, Al-Fateh had only one win in their last five matches, highlighting their ongoing struggles to find form. This match further emphasized the gap between a title contender and a team fighting to avoid relegation.

Al-Hilal's tactical approach under coach Simone Inzaghi has been effective, with a focus on high pressing and quick transitions. Their ability to win the ball back quickly and exploit spaces left by Al-Fateh was evident. The statistics reflect this strategy; Al-Hilal led in corner kicks with 1 to 0, indicating their offensive pressure throughout the match.

Despite the loss, Al-Fateh's Batna remains a bright spot for the team. His penalty conversion demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure, but it is clear that individual brilliance is not enough to lift the team from its current predicament. The lack of support from other players has left them vulnerable, as evidenced by their low shot count and inability to capitalize on set pieces.

The red card issued to Nasser Al-Dawsari late in the match could have significant implications for Al-Hilal moving forward. While they managed to secure the win despite being a man down, losing a key player could affect their depth and strategy in upcoming fixtures. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between discipline and aggression in high-stakes matches.

Looking ahead, Al-Hilal will face Al Taawon next, where they will aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position among the league leaders. Meanwhile, Al-Fateh must regroup quickly before their clash against Al Okhdood if they hope to escape the relegation zone. The pressure is mounting for both teams, but the narratives are clear: one is riding high on confidence while the other is desperately seeking answers.

Al-Hilal's victory today not only reinforces their title aspirations but also highlights the ongoing struggles of Al-Fateh. The contrasting trajectories of these two teams serve as a microcosm of the league itself-where dominance meets desperation. As the season progresses, each match will be crucial for both sides as they navigate their respective paths.