AL AHSA — Al Hilal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Al Fateh 4-3 in a pulsating clash on Friday night, strengthening their grip on second place in the Saudi Pro League and edging closer to qualification for next season's AFC Champions League Elite. In one of the most thrilling matches of the season, Al Hilal came from behind three times at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium before Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed victory in second-half stoppage time with his second goal of the night. The win took Al Hilal to 71 points, firmly in second place behind newly crowned champions Al Ittihad. Meanwhile, Al Fateh remain on 33 points and winless in their last eight league outings. The hosts took a shock 2-0 lead through a quick-fire brace from Algerian midfielder Sofiane Bendebka in the 15th and 24th minutes. Al Hilal thought they had a penalty to pull one back, but the decision was overturned following VAR review. Coach Mohammed Al Shalhoub made bold first-half changes, introducing Nasser Al Dawsari and young Brazilian Kaio. The move paid off as Al Dawsari smashed in Al Hilal's first goal early in the second half. Captain Salem Al Dawsari then levelled in the 60th minute with a composed finish from a Malcom assist, only for Murad Batna to strike again for Fateh in the 82nd minute with a rocket from distance. But Al Hilal weren't done. Mitrovic equalized with a bullet header and then completed the turnaround with a clinical finish in added time. Al Fateh thought they had salvaged a point when Matías Vargas scored deep into stoppage time, but VAR ruled it out for offside. With the league race nearly over, Al Hilal now look to cement second place and their spot in the AFC Elite competition, with two matches left to play.
