Darwin Núñez strikes back: Al Hilal’s livewire silences critics with a 26th-minute beauty

In a single moment, Al Hilal’s Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez answered a chorus of critics who had questioned his form and fitness in recent weeks, announcing his return with a goal that changed the game’s narrative.

The attacker, who has faced heavy scrutiny for inconsistent performances and injuries, chose a decisive response by scoring against Al Fateh, restoring his confidence and signaling that he remains a key piece in the team’s attacking project.

Al Hilal host Al Fateh on Saturday night, as part of the ninth round of the Roshan Saudi Pro League.

Hilal sit third with 20 points, while Al Fateh occupy 15th place with 5 points in the league table.

A Moment of Brilliance

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi selected Núñez in the starting XI after his October setback, and the forward wasted no time making his presence felt with a clinical finish in the 26th minute after a superb run from the edge of the box, slotting past the Fateh goalkeeper.

That strike marked Núñez’s fourth goal of the season in six league appearances, along with two assists, underscoring his continuing importance to the team’s offensive mechanics.

Crucially, this was Núñez’s first league outing since the clash with Al Ittihad on October 24, a win that had seen Helal win 2-0; the goal against Fateh served as a strong reintroduction to top-flight action.

Answering the Critics

Núñez’s goal was more than a numerical contribution; it stood as a public counterargument to those who doubted him over the past months.

Alongside ongoing debates about his form and recurring injuries, some argued the signing had not delivered as expected. The Uruguayan’s performance, however, provided tangible proof of his capability to influence matches and drive the team forward.

With the goal and his subsequent involvement in play, Núñez demonstrated a marked improvement in intensity, sharpness, and willingness to pressure opposition defenses, suggesting a strong case for a more prominent role as the season progresses.

The evidence on the pitch, including Núñez’s improved movement and willingness to chase every ball, suggested that the player is regaining his best form and, in time, could shoulder more responsibility in the front line.

As the coaching staff’s confidence grows, Inzaghi’s decision to field Núñez from the start appears vindicated, reinforcing the belief that Al Hilal’s attack can rely on him during a congested period ahead.

A Valuable Card in a Busy Deck

With Núñez back to his best, Al Hilal have added an important attacking threat ahead of a demanding run of fixtures in domestic cups and the AFC Champions League, where depth and options will be crucial.

The team needs everyone firing during a hectic schedule, and Núñez’s physical presence, finishing prowess, and capacity to link with teammates could prove decisive as the campaign intensifies.

As Núñez continues to regain rhythm and confidence, the Uruguayan forward is positioned to become a central figure in Inzaghi’s plans, especially given the squad’s injuries and the tight calendar ahead.

Al Hilal, with Núñez in strong form, will be aiming to convert this momentum into consistency across cup competitions and the league, turning a good spell into a full-blown title push.

So far, the signs are promising: Núñez looks ready to transform doubts into demonstrations of impact, and Al Hilal may just be headed toward the kind of campaign that makes critics eat their words, with extra spice for the memes—er, headlines—on the way.

Punchlines: If Núñez keeps this up, the grass will grow back where the critics planted their doubts. And if football is a sniper’s game, Núñez just dropped a well-aimed shot—quiet, precise, and right on target. One more goal, and the pundits will need sunglasses to read the tape of his season.