Bafetimbi Gomis was both provider and scorer as 10-man Al Hilal’s winning run in the Saudi Professional League continued with a mixed 4-1 win against sinking Al Qadsiah.
After a low-key start in the absence of suspended Brazilian talisman Carlos Eduardo, ex-France striker Gomis took centre stage. A sublime pass sent the revitalised Nawaf Al Abed through to slot into an empty net on 34 minutes.
Within moments of the restart, the top flight’s leading scorer curled in an emphatic 16th goal of a prolific debut campaign. Midfielder Bismark Ferreira’s majestic 25-yard drive past the hour mark at the other end made things interesting, before winter buy Sebastian Giovinco converted a brilliant one-two with Gomis on debut off the substitutes’ bench and erratic Saudi Arabia centre-back Ali Al Bulaihi headed home unmarked.
Youngster Nasser Al Dawsari was then sent off, via the video-assistant referee, for a stamp on Ferreira.
GOMIS CAN DO IT ALL
From the moment Eduardo performed an inexplicable late stamp in Friday’s epic 3-2 win at Al Batin, the question had arisen as to who’d fulfil his creative duties.
Al Abed – whose recovery from long-term injury continued apace – was chosen to take up the pivotal No10 role by the champions. He generated several smart flicks and a long-range rocket, prior to Gomis showing him how it is done against opponents who’d lose a sixth match in their last seven.
The hulking centre forward exhibited remarkable deftness of touch to produce a slide-rule pass under pressure to break the deadlock. An instant understanding with former Italy magician Giovinco later crafted a fine third.
The absent Eduardo would have approved.
📸 الثنائي المرعب في #محيط_الرعب 💪🏻💙#الهلال pic.twitter.com/YrJNPfEcT4
— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) February 12, 2019
A STAR IS BORN?
Audible excitement fizzed around the King Saud on 62 minutes.
A dejected Andre Carrillo made way for Giovinco – and a player of global renown was introduced to the SPL.
The 32-year-old sliced one warning shot narrowly wide, another was deftly stroked in. Only half his eight passes found their target, though this ring rust is understandable when a last run-out came in late October for Toronto FC.
Much more is, surely, to come.
📸 رأسية "آل بليهي" بعدستنا 💙🤩#الهلال pic.twitter.com/YCW88amcqP
— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) February 12, 2019
JESUS IS JUST THE MAN
A famous – and familiar – face watched on at King Saud University Stadium.
Recently departed boss Jorge Jesus roared every goal for a Hilal team he led from June until last month’s abrupt exit.
Rumours link the 64-year-old coaching icon to the vacant Saudi Arabia post – and he’d be a perfect choice.
He boasts contemporary knowledge of the players. Plus, the international game’s ability to let him flit in and out of the country would appeal to the Portuguese.
Your move, Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
📸 تشهد مباراة #الهلال والقادسية حضور مدير الجهاز الفني السابق لـ "الهلال " البرتغالي "جورجي جيسوس" pic.twitter.com/85ufXsRdlH
— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) February 12, 2019
