RIYADH — Al Hilal claimed their first win under interim head coach Mohammed Al Shalhoub with a thrilling 5-3 victory over bottom-placed Al Raed on Thursday in Matchweek 30 of the Saudi Pro League. Club captain Salem Al Dawsari led the charge with a brilliant hat-trick to help the reigning champions bounce back after their AFC Champions League Elite semi-final exit to Al Ahli and the subsequent departure of Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus. Al Hilal took the lead in the 32nd minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic found the net, before Al Dawsari doubled the advantage nine minutes later with a sharp finish from inside the box. Kareem El Berkaoui pulled one back for Al Raed just before halftime, blasting in from close range to make it 2-1. Al Hilal regained control early in the second half. Al Dawsari scored again in the 59th minute with a low strike, and Malcom added the fourth goal in the 66th after a well-worked team move. El Berkaoui, however, responded almost immediately, capitalizing on a misjudgment from Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to score his second of the night. Al Dawsari completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute with a stunning solo effort, cutting inside from the left and rifling a shot into the top corner to make it 5-2. Al Raed were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, which Saleh Al Amri converted for the game's final goal, but it did little to alter the outcome. The win takes Al Hilal up to 65 points in second place, three behind league leaders Al Ittihad. Al Raed remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 21 points and are facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation. The victory also marked a promising start for Al Shalhoub in his first senior managerial assignment, with Al Hilal showing renewed attacking flair and purpose.
