Al Hilal edge Al Qadsiah 3-2 in Saudi Pro League classic

Al Hilal produced a late winner to beat Al Qadsiah 3-2 at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in a Saudi Professional League match that lived up to its billing. Al Qadsiah twice troubled the champions, but Al Hilal’s quality in the final third and Aleksandar Mitrović’s clinical finishing proved decisive in a five-goal thriller.

The result strengthens Al Hilal’s position in the Saudi Professional League title race while leaving Al Qadsiah with a sense of what might have been. The hosts defended bravely and carried a real threat on the counter-attack, but Al Hilal’s ability to control key moments ultimately separated the sides.

Match overview

Al Qadsiah made a confident start and took the lead in the 12th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was released into space behind the defence and finished with his trademark composure. Al Hilal responded with sustained possession and equalised in the 27th minute through Aleksandar Mitrović, who powered a header past the goalkeeper from a measured cross.

Al Hilal moved ahead in the 54th minute when Salem Al-Dawsari found space on the left and curled a precise effort into the far corner. Al Qadsiah refused to fold, equalising just after the hour mark through a well-worked set piece. But Al Hilal found the decisive moment in the 84th minute, with Mitrović reacting first to a rebound inside the box to seal a 3-2 victory.

Key moments

• 12’ – Al Qadsiah lead: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang races clear and finishes calmly.
• 27’ – Al Hilal equalise: Aleksandar Mitrović heads home from a fine cross.
• 54’ – Al Hilal take control: Salem Al-Dawsari curls a superb effort into the far corner.
• 61’ – Al Qadsiah respond: A set-piece routine ends with a close-range equaliser.
• 84’ – Mitrović wins it: The striker reacts quickest to a rebound and powers the ball home.

Tactical story

Al Hilal dictated possession for long periods, using their wide players to stretch Al Qadsiah’s back line and create space for Mitrović in the box. Their midfield rotated well and kept the ball moving, but Al Qadsiah’s compact defensive block and quick transitions kept the game balanced.

Al Qadsiah’s best moments came when they broke at speed through Aubameyang and their energetic wide runners. The hosts were willing to defend deep and strike on the counter, a plan that almost earned them a point. Ultimately, Al Hilal’s greater composure in the final 15 minutes and their ability to sustain pressure told the story.

Standout players

Aleksandar Mitrović was the match-winner with two goals, including the late decider. His hold-up play and penalty-area instincts gave Al Hilal a constant focal point. Salem Al-Dawsari’s creativity and goal were equally important, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed his enduring quality for Al Qadsiah with a sharp finish and intelligent movement throughout.

Season impact

The win keeps Al Hilal firmly in the Saudi Professional League title hunt and reinforces their reputation as a side capable of finding solutions in tight matches. Al Qadsiah remain a dangerous opponent in the upper half of the table, but they will need to turn spirited performances into points if they are to sustain a push for the top four. In a league where margins are small, Mitrović’s late goal could prove significant.