Hernandez's Heroic Brace Fires Al-Hilal Closer to Saudi League Summit!

Al-Hilal secured a commanding 3-1 victory over 10-man Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League's 12th round, propelled by Theo Hernandez's stunning brace, narrowing the gap to leaders Al-Nassr to just two points.

The match, part of the high-stakes Roshn Saudi Professional League, showcased Al-Hilal's dominance as they moved to 29 points in second place, while Al-Kholood remained stranded on 9 points in 13th.[1][2][3]

Al-Kholood's challenge crumbled early when Abdulrahman Al-Dosari received a straight red card in the 37th minute following a VAR review for a high challenge on Marcos Leonardo, leaving them with 10 players.[1][2]

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al-Kholood equalized before halftime, but Al-Hilal struck back. Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring with a powerful long-range shot in the 45th minute, setting the tone for the visitors.[1][2]

Theo Hernandez, the French star, then took center stage, netting the second goal before sealing the win with a third in the 84th minute, exceeding Al-Hilal's expected goals (xG) of 2.11 from 24 shots compared to Al-Kholood's 0.12 from 11 attempts.[1]

Al-Hilal's attacking prowess continues unabated, having scored in 81 consecutive league matches, totaling 232 goals with three or more in 44 of them.[1]

Key moments included early saves by goalkeepers Juan Pablo Cozzani for Al-Kholood and Mohammed Al-Yami for Al-Hilal, highlighting a competitive start before the red card shifted momentum.[1]

This result intensifies the title race, with Al-Hilal now breathing down Al-Nassr's neck as the season progresses into 2026.