Al-Hilal stayed clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League after a 2-1 comeback win over NEOM, with Ruben Neves again decisive. The midfielder scored a second-half penalty and also supplied an assist in Tabuk.
The result moved Simone Inzaghi's team back to a seven-point advantage in the title race. Al-Hilal also extended their league winning streak to 12 matches, maintaining strong form against newly promoted clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Neves delivered another complete display, combining set-piece quality with composure from the spot. The midfielder created the equaliser from a corner, then converted the winning penalty in the 66th minute, taking direct involvement to 10 league goals this season.
The match swung away from Al-Hilal just before
half-time. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had already hit the frame of the goal, yet NEOM struck first when Said Benrahma crossed from the flank and Mohammed Al Burayk headed in on 42 minutes.
Benrahma almost doubled the lead in stoppage time, but an Al-Hilal defender cleared off the line. Four minutes after the restart, Hassan Al-Tambakti met a Neves corner with a firm header, making it 1-1 and shifting momentum towards the visitors.
Theo Hernandez then hit the woodwork as pressure increased. The turnaround was completed when Faris Abdi fouled Al-Tambakti inside the area. Neves stepped up and sent the 66th-minute penalty past the goalkeeper, securing three points and another comeback victory.
Three points from Tabuk Congratulations leaderspic.twitter.com/0Z6EX8984xAlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) January 18, 2026
Underlying numbers underlined Al-Hilal’s control. Their expected goals total reached 2.42, while NEOM finished on 0.93. That dominance reflected sustained pressure after half-time, when Inzaghi's side pushed higher and created repeated openings around the penalty area.
| Team / Player | Statistic | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Hilal | Expected goals (xG) | 2.42 |
| NEOM | Expected goals (xG) | 0.93 |
| Al-Hilal | Points won from losing positions, 2025-26 | 16 |
| Al-Hilal | Last 17 league games vs newly promoted teams | 1 defeat |
| Ruben Neves | 2025-26 league goals | 7 |
| Ruben Neves | 2025-26 league assists | 3 |
| Ruben Neves | Direct goal involvements, 2025-26 | 10 |
This comeback lifted Al-Hilal’s total of points recovered from losing situations to a league-best 16. Neves has already surpassed his 2024-25 tally, while the team has lost only one of 17 Saudi Pro League matches against newly promoted opposition.
