On January 29th, 2024, Al Hilal and Inter Miami CF played one of the most entertaining matches of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Riyadh Season Cup. In front of over 60,000 roaring fans at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium, the two clubs delivered a back-and-forth battle that saw Al Hilal win 4-3. With stars like Bafetimbi Gomis, Moussa Marega, and Gonzalo Higuain on the field, fireworks were expected, but no one could have predicted the dramatic twists and turns that unfolded over 94 thrilling minutes.
Al Hilal Strikes First Through Marega
The game began with both teams cautiously probing, but Al Hilal gradually asserted their dominance through crisp passing sequences and dangerous crosses into the box. They were rewarded in the 17th minute when Marega latched onto a long ball over the Inter Miami backline, beating center-back Aimé Mabika and slotting a composed finish between goalkeeper Drake Callender’s legs. The packed stadium erupted when Al Hilal took an early 1-0 lead. Inter Miami appeared rattled, unable to maintain possession against the Saudi champions.
Inter Miami Fights Back to Equalise Before Halftime
Down 1-0, Inter Miami regained their composure and began to press higher up the pitch, forcing Al Hilal into rushed clearances. The pressure paid off in the 37th minute, when Gonzalo Higuain headed in a Leonardo Campana cross to equalize at 1-1. Inter Miami, backed by their vocal traveling supporters, kept their foot on the gas, and in the third minute of first half stoppage time, Jean Mota curled in a direct free kick from 25 yards out, shocking Al Hilal and putting Inter Miami ahead 2-1 at halftime.
Al Hilal Retakes Lead Through Penalty; Gomis Golazo
After conceding two late first-half goals, Al Hilal came out possessed in the second half. They peppered the Inter Miami goal with shots and were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute for a handball in the box. Gomis stepped up and fired into the top corner to make it 2-2. Then, in the 63rd minute, Gomis scored again, completing a slick 1-2 with Marega on the edge of the box before unleashing a thunderbolt into the upper corner. The home crowd erupted as their beloved No. 9 wheeled away in celebration, wearing his signature panther mask. Al Hilal had dramatically changed the game by scoring two goals in 11 minutes to go ahead 3-2.
Higuain Equalises Again as Both Teams Push for the Win
In the ferocious contest, one-goal leads were constantly erased. Higuain scored again for the visitors in the 77th minute this time from 12 yards out after Inter Miami took advantage of space down the right flank. The Argentine striker made no mistake, beating Abdullah Al-Mayouf with a first-time shot across goal to tie the game at 3-3. With both teams desperate for victory in this heavyweight clash, the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time were thrilling from start to finish. Al Hilal, urged on by their ardent supporters, appeared to want the victory more.
Al Dawsari Nets are the late winners of the Riyadh Season Cup Classic
As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, Al Hilal’s hero emerged. In the third minute of extra time, Salem Al Dawsari latched onto a knockdown inside the box. Took a touch around the defender, and rifled the ball into the roof of the net! 4-3, Al Hilal! The home crowd erupted in ecstasy as Al Dawsari raced to the corner, collapsing beneath a pile of jubilant teammates. When the final whistle blew seconds later, confetti filled the air as Al Hilal players and fans celebrated their hard-fought Riyadh Season Cup win over worthy opponents Inter Miami CF. After 94 minutes of twists and turns, Al Hilal won 4-3 in a match that will go down in Riyadh Season Cup history!
Conclusion
This wildly entertaining January 29th, 2024 match between Saudi giants Al Hilal and MLS club Inter Miami CF featured seven goals. Several lead changes, memorable goals, and a dramatic stoppage time winner. Stars such as Bafetimbi Gomis, Gonzalo Higuain, and Salem Al Dawsari rose to the occasion. And the 60,000 fans in attendance received their money’s worth. Al Hilal’s quest for more silverware will be boosted by their thrilling victory over the reigning MLS champions. Inter Miami once again demonstrated that they can compete with the world’s best clubs. But they will be disappointed that they did not close out a two-goal lead. This was heart-pounding soccer at its finest, with plenty of respect between two great clubs following a truly unforgettable match.
