The Martinelli winner arrived in the 89th minute and settled Al-Hilal 1-0 Al-Hazem at Kingdom Arena on Monday night. It kept Simone Inzaghi’s side top of the Saudi Pro League. Friday brings a top-of-the-table trip to Al-Qadsiah.
The Martinelli winner after a long wait
Gabriel Martinelli started in a front three with Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins. He finally broke through when Mohammed Mahzari set him up. However, it was no more than the leaders deserved, although Martinelli was booked moments later.
Until then, the evening had threatened frustration. Al-Hilal held almost two-thirds of the possession. They finished with 21 attempts to Al-Hazem’s five, according to the BBC Sport match page, but visiting goalkeeper Stanek stood firm. The first half ended goalless, and the pattern continued long after the break. Because of that, the Martinelli winner came as a relief.
Inzaghi turns to his bench
Inzaghi used his bench in the second half, with Moteb Al Harbi, Ali Lajami, Nasser Al Dawsari, Sultan Mandash and Salem Al Dawsari all taking part. Salem’s appearance was also a welcome sight following his comeback to full training, as covered in our match preview. It was a busy finish around the Martinelli winner.
Hazem make them work
Al-Hazem, 12th in the table, defended with discipline throughout. They committed 13 fouls to Al-Hilal’s seven as they disrupted the home side’s rhythm. Still, they forced three saves from Bounou, who kept a clean sheet behind a defence that was rarely stretched but had to stay alert until the Martinelli winner.
What the Martinelli winner means for the title race
The win keeps Al-Hilal at the top and sets up a huge meeting with second-placed Al-Qadsiah on Friday 23 October. Al-Hilal travel to the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam for the round-11 fixture, so Inzaghi’s men arrive with momentum and Salem Al Dawsari back in the squad. The result is one to carry into that game.
