Neymar got on the pitch at the 63rd minute of the match between Al Hilal and Al Riyadh this Friday (September 15). The scoresheet was already 2-0 for the Brazilian’s team, with the goals scored by Mitrovic and Al Shahrani. The match ended 6-1.
There was a lot of expectation in the stadium towards Neymar’s first minutes in the Saudi Pro League, especially after his good two matches with the Brazilian National Team in the South American Qualifiers.
When coach Jorge Jesus called the player to be subbed in, the fans were already screaming and applauding. And it didn’t take long for him to prove his talent.
READ MORE
++ Ancelotti criticizes Vinicius Junior’s absence among FIFA The Best nominees
++ World Cup Qualifiers: when and where will the Brazil vs Argentina derby take place?
++ Ange Postecoglou promises to give Richarlison help after the player revealed his ongoing problems
Brazilian partnership with Malcom
Four minutes after going into the field, Neymar received the ball in front of the area and made a pass to Malcolm in front of the goalkeeper, who took down the Brazilian. The play continued because of the advantage and Nasser Al Dawsari put it into the net.
Neymar showed good movements on the field, always searching for the ball in the line of the midfield. He was also responsible of a free-kick, but could not score his first goal for the Saudi Arabian club.
In a counter-attack, Neymar received the ball in the middle of the field and ran with it against the defense until he could find Malcom alone inside the area. The number 77 only kicked the ball with his left feet and scored his first goal in the game, with Neymar’s first assistance in the league.
A few moments later, Neymar dribbled the defender, who put his hand in the ball, which the referee signaled the penalty instantly. Salem Al Dawsari took the responsibility and scored it.
Neymar almost scored twice, with goalkeeper Campaña making good defenses. On the second chance, however, the ball was left at Salem Al Dawsari’s feet and he kicked it into the net.
Riyadh scored with Al Zaqan in overtime.
Al Hilal leads the Saudi Pro League, with 16 points in six matches — five wins and one draw.
🎤 @neymarjr Sharing his feelings with you LEADERS 💙
pic.twitter.com/u68SqDoSEx— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) September 15, 2023
