Match Report:
NEOM S.C. falls to Al Hilal in Round 16 finale

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – January 18, 2026– NEOM S.C. suffered a 2–1 defeat against visitors Al Hilal in the match held on Sunday evening at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, concluding Round 16 of the Roshn Saudi League.

In front of a large crowd, French head coach Christophe Galtier started the match with Luís Maximiano in goal. The defensive line consisted of Khalifah Al Dawsari, Ahmed Hegazi, Awn Al Saluli, Fares Abdi, and Mohammed Al Burayk. In midfield, Amadou Koné featured alongside team captain Salman Al Faraj, Said Benrahma, and Saïmon, while Alexandre Lacazette led the attack.

First Half

After a balanced start with both teams sharing possession, NEOM S.C. created several dangerous chances, the most notable coming from Said Benrahma, whose powerful shot was saved with difficulty by Al Hilal’s goalkeeper. Mohammed Al Burayk then opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a header that found the back of the net.

Benrahma nearly doubled NEOM S.C.’s lead after breaking through on goal, but Al Hilal’s defense managed to neutralize the threat before the half ended with NEOM S.C. in front.

Second Half

Al Hilal applied early pressure in search of an equalizer and were rewarded when Hassan Tambakti scored to level the match. Despite NEOM S.C. responding with several attempts to regain the lead through Lacazette and Saïmon, Al Hilal went ahead after Ruben Neves converted a penalty.

NEOM S.C.’s late push to salvage a draw proved unsuccessful, leaving the team on 20 points and in 10th place in the Roshn Saudi League standings.