In the early hours of January 17th, Beijing time, the defending champions Al-Hilal scored a resounding 9-0 victory over Al-Fateh, the bottom team in the Saudi League, in a focus match of the 15th round.
As a battle between the top and bottom of the Saudi League standings, the outcome of the game seemed to have little suspense. Despite Al-Fateh's resistance against Al-Hilal's attacks in the first 20 minutes, their psychological defense was completely shattered after Koulibaly's header broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Al-Hilal led 4-0 at halftime. In the second half, Al-Hilal scored another five goals, with Leonardo completing a hat-trick.
This score also tied the record for the largest margin of victory in Saudi League history, which was previously held by Al-Hilal. Last season in the 14th round of the Saudi League, Al-Hilal won 9-0 away against Al-Hazem.
Furthermore, Leonardo's hat-trick goal was the 1000th goal scored by Al-Hilal in the Saudi League, making them the first team in the league's history to achieve this feat.
After this overwhelming victory, Al-Hilal has won four consecutive league games, accumulating 40 points to continue leading the standings. After only 15 rounds, Al-Hilal has scored an impressive 48 goals. They also hold a significant advantage with 34 goal difference, far surpassing Al Ittihad Jeddah. If the two teams were to decide the league championship based on goal difference, Al-Hilal would undoubtedly be in a favorable position.