RIYADH — Aleksandar Mitrovic netted another brace, and Salem Al Dawsari added a sublime solo goal, but it was Ruben Neves who provided the foundation for Al Hilal's dominant performance in the Saudi Clasico against Al Ittihad, sealing a 3-1 victory on Saturday night. Neves showcased his class throughout the match, contributing two assists that exemplified his playmaking ability. His first assist came from a beautifully curled cross that found Mitrovic in the box, allowing the Serbian striker to open the scoring early on. The second assist saw Neves win back possession in his own penalty area before launching an inch-perfect long pass to release Al Dawsari, who confidently slotted home the third goal for the hosts. By the time the clock at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium read 37 minutes, Al Hilal were comfortably ahead at 3-0. Neves's integral role in this first-half blitz was undeniable, and he was rightfully named Man of the Match for his exceptional performance. With this victory, Al Hilal ascended to the top of the league standings, handing Al Ittihad their first defeat of the 2024-25 season and maintaining their perfect record. Neves, who joined Al Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023, has proven to be a crucial player in the team's success. In a match that featured a midfield battle against heavyweights like Fabinho, N'Golo Kante, and Houssem Aouar, Neves excelled across various metrics. According to Opta, he completed 72 passes —the highest of any player on the pitch— and recorded 89 touches, further emphasizing his influence in the game. Neves also created four chances and successfully completed all six of his attempted dribbles, while his six ball recoveries were second only to Al Ittihad's Abdulelah Al Amri. This performance reflects a broader trend this season, with Neves ranking third in the league for chances created, and fourth for passes in the opposition half, showcasing his pivotal role in Al Hilal's midfield. His ability to maintain such control in a high-stakes match underscores not only his talent but also his composure under pressure. As Al Hilal looks to retain their RSL crown, Neves's contributions will be essential. If he continues his exceptional form, he could very well lead the team to another championship title, solidifying his status as the conductor of the champions' midfield.
