Published on 11:40 AM, April 12, 2024

Al-Hilal crush Al-Ittihad to lift Saudi Super Cup

Al Hilal's injured striker Neymar lifts the trophy with teammates after winning the Saudi Super Cup final. PHOTO: REUTERS

Brazilian forward Malcom scored twice to help Al-Hilal ease to a 4-1 victory over Al-Ittihad and claim the Saudi Super Cup title in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Jorge Jesus' side, top of the Saudi league and still alive in the King's Cup and Asian Champions league, are bidding for a quadruple of trophies this season.

Al-Hilal, who won their fourth Saudi Super Cup title and extended their run to 34 consecutive victories in all competitions, took an early lead after five minutes through Malcom following a one-two with Saleh Al-Shehri.

Al Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari lifts the trophy with teammates after winning the Saudi Super Cup final. PHOTO: REUTERS

"It was a tough game, delighted to score two goals, and we were thrilled to secure our first title of the season. We have other trophies to pursue," Malcom told SSC Channel.

Abderrazak Hamdallah equalised in the 21st minute as he struck from the rebound after his penalty was saved by Al-Hilal's Yassine Bounou.

Al Hilal's Brazilian forward Malcom celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Saudi Super Cup final match against Al-Ittihad at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on April 11, 2024. PHOTO: AFP

Al-Hilal went ahead again when As Salem Al-Dawsari struck from the edge of the area in the 44th minute, Malcom scored from close range after dribbling past Al-Ittihad captain Ahmed Hegazy and substitute Nasser Al-Dawsari completed the rout.

The rivalry between Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad will be renewed in the King's Cup semi-final on April 30.