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Al-Raed vs Al-Hilal: A Clash of Titans in the Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League served up a thrilling spectacle on May 7th, 2025, with several high-stakes matches, including the captivating clash between Al-Raed and Al-Hilal. While the Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad match grabbed headlines with a last-minute winner for Al-Ittihad thanks to Houssem Aouar's dramatic goal, the Al-Raed vs Al-Hilal game also offered its share of excitement and intrigue. This article dives into the details of the Al-Raed vs Al-Hilal match, providing a comprehensive overview of the game's highlights, key moments, and the overall context within the Saudi Pro League standings.
Al-Raed's Struggle and Al-Hilal's Ambitions
Al-Raed, fighting a relegation battle, entered the match with only 21 points from 29 games, languishing at the bottom of the table. Their recent form, including a 4-3 loss against Al-Taawoun, highlighted their struggles. They desperately needed a win to boost their chances of survival. On the other hand, Al-Hilal, despite their recent AFC Champions League exit, were aiming to maintain their push for the league title. Sitting comfortably in second place with 62 points, they were looking to capitalize on any slip-ups from the league leaders.
- Al-Raed's predicament: Fighting relegation, desperately needing points.
- Al-Hilal's objective: Maintaining their title chase, building momentum.
Match Highlights: A Dominant Al-Hilal Performance
The match itself saw Al-Hilal dominate proceedings. Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, followed by a brace from captain Salem Aldawsari. Aldawsari's performance was truly remarkable, as he completed his hat-trick in the second half with a stunning solo goal. While Al-Raed managed to pull back a few goals, including a fantastic strike from Karim El Berkaoui before halftime and a late penalty from Saleh Al-Amri, it wasn't enough to overcome Al-Hilal's superior firepower.
- Early Al-Hilal goals: Mitrovic and Aldawsari put Al-Hilal in a commanding lead.
- Aldawsari's hat-trick: A standout individual performance.
- Al-Raed's late goals: El Berkaoui and Al-Amri's strikes offered late hope.
The final score was a resounding 5-3 victory for Al-Hilal, extending their dominance in this fixture. This win pushed Al-Hilal to 65 points, solidifying their position in the title race. The match showcased the gulf in class between the two teams, highlighting Al-Hilal’s offensive prowess and Al-Raed's struggles at the other end of the pitch.
Head-to-Head Statistics and Predictions
Historically, Al-Hilal has completely dominated this matchup. Going into this game, Al-Hilal had won 34 of their 40 previous encounters against Al-Raed. Al-Raed’s last win against Al-Hilal came back in 2013. This history, combined with the current form of both teams, made Al-Hilal the clear favorites heading into the match, a prediction that proved accurate on the night.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in the Saudi Pro League Season
The Al-Raed vs Al-Hilal match provided a fascinating insight into the contrasting fortunes of two Saudi Pro League teams. Al-Hilal’s resounding victory showcased their title aspirations, while Al-Raed’s continued struggles underlined their relegation fight. While the Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad clash stole the spotlight due to its late drama, the Al-Raed vs Al-Hilal encounter provided a compelling narrative of its own, further highlighting the drama and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League.
