Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Al Hilal reduced the gap on Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr to two points after a 3-1 away victory over 10-man Al Kholood on Wednesday, concluding Matchweek 12 of the Saudi Pro League.

The visitors scored through Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic just before halftime and a second-half brace from France international Theo Hernandez, while Al Kholood’s lone goal came from an Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique via a first-half penalty.

The result lifted Al Hilal to 29 points in second place, two behind Al Nassr, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Al Ettifaq on Tuesday.

Al Hilal dominated possession in the opening half and went close early when Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez delivered a dangerous cross toward Marcos Leonardo, only for an Al Kholood defender to intervene.

Hernandez later tested the woodwork with a powerful effort that flashed narrowly wide, while at the other end goalkeeper Mohammed Al Rabie denied Enrique from close range to keep the match level.

The home side were reduced to 10 men in the 37th minute after Abdulrahman Al Dawsari was shown a red card, and Al Hilal capitalised just before the break when Milinkovic-Savic struck decisively from outside the penalty area.

Al Kholood responded in stoppage time when Enrique converted from the penalty spot to level the score at halftime.

After the restart, Al Hilal resumed their pressure and reclaimed the lead in the 61st minute.

A powerful effort from Milinkovic-Savic was parried by goalkeeper Juan Cozzani, with Hernandez reacting first to slot home the rebound.

The visitors sealed the win in the 84th minute as Hernandez curled a superb free kick past Cozzani, completing his brace and confirming Al Hilal’s control of the contest.