Damac vs Al-Hilal Saudi FC Match Recap - Jan 4, 2026

Al-Hilal Dominates Damac: A Tale of Class and Consistency

Al-Hilal Saudi FC's 2-0 victory over Damac underscores the chasm between title contenders and relegation battlers in the Pro League. With this win, Al-Hilal solidifies its position in second place, now boasting 29 points from 11 matches, while Damac languishes in 14th with just 9 points.

Al-Hilal's recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with this match marking their ninth win in 11 games. The attacking prowess of Darwin Núñez and Marcos Leonardo continues to shine, as both players have been instrumental in their recent successes. Núñez's goal today adds to his tally, showcasing his ability to find the net consistently. Meanwhile, Leonardo's strike further cements his role as a key player in Al-Hilal's offensive setup.

Damac's struggles persist, with this match extending their winless streak to six games. Despite a narrow victory against Al Okhdood just days prior, Damac's overall performance has been lackluster. They have managed only one win in their last five matches, highlighting a troubling trend of drawing or losing games they should be winning. The reliance on Valentín Vada for creativity and goal-scoring has become painfully evident, as he remains one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dim season.

Statistically, Al-Hilal dominated the match in nearly every category. They outshot Damac 3-0 and controlled possession with a staggering 67% share. This level of dominance reflects their tactical superiority and ability to dictate the pace of the game. Al-Hilal's pass accuracy was also impressive at 90%, compared to Damac's 73%. This disparity in passing efficiency illustrates the challenges Damac faces in maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities.

Damac's defensive frailties were exposed once again. They struggled to contain Al-Hilal's fluid attacking movements, which have become a hallmark of their play under coach Simone Inzaghi. The defensive line, featuring players like Abdelkader Bedrane, failed to cope with the relentless pressure applied by Al-Hilal's forwards. This match serves as a stark reminder that Damac must tighten their defense if they hope to escape the relegation zone.

The midfield battle was another area where Al-Hilal excelled. Sergej Milinković-Savić and Rúben Neves controlled the center of the park, providing both defensive cover and attacking support. Their ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly allowed Al-Hilal to exploit gaps in Damac's formation. In contrast, Damac's midfield struggled to assert itself, often being overrun by Al-Hilal's superior numbers and technical ability.

Damac's tactical approach appeared reactive rather than proactive, relying heavily on counter-attacks that rarely materialized. Their formation did little to stifle Al-Hilal's attacking intent, leading to a frustrating afternoon for coach Armando Evangelista. The lack of creativity and urgency from Damac's forwards, particularly Morlaye Sylla, left them toothless against a well-organized Al-Hilal defense.

Looking ahead, Damac faces a crucial match against Al Khaleej Saihat on January 9. They must find a way to convert draws into wins if they are to climb out of the relegation zone. Vada will need support from his teammates to create more scoring opportunities and alleviate the pressure on him as the primary playmaker.

Al-Hilal's next challenge comes against Al-Hazm on January 8, where they will look to maintain their momentum and keep pace with league leaders. With players like Núñez and Leonardo firing on all cylinders, they appear poised to continue their title challenge.

This match encapsulates the current state of both teams: Al-Hilal is riding high on confidence and form, while Damac is desperately searching for answers amid a troubling season. The contrast between their performances today serves as a microcosm of their respective journeys in the Pro League this season.