RIYADH — Al Hilal's push to reclaim the Roshn Saudi League top spot suffered another setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Riyadh in a controversy-filled match on Thursday night, where VAR played a decisive role in disallowing a goal and a penalty. After a goalless first half, Al Riyadh thought they had taken the lead through Jean-Philippe Krasso, but VAR ruled out his first goal for offside. However, moments later, he managed to beat Yassine Bounou again, and this time, the goal stood after video review confirmation. Al Hilal equalized in the 60th minute through their captain Salem Al Dawsari, who capitalized on a well-placed opportunity to keep his side in contention. The hosts pressed for a late winner, with Al Dawsari missing a close-range chance and substitute Abdullah Al Hamdan firing just wide. The biggest controversy came when referee Ivan Cisneros awarded Al Hilal a penalty for a handball, only for VAR to overturn the decision. With their second consecutive league draw, Al Hilal remains in second place with 48 points, trailing leaders Al Ittihad by just one point. Meanwhile, Al Riyadh sits in seventh place with 29 points. Al Hilal now awaits the result of Al Ittihad's clash with Al Wehda on Saturday, as the title race intensifies in the Saudi Pro League.
