Another blow to Inzaghi’s blueprint after Al Fateh win
22 November 2025
Match Snapshot
Italian coach Simeone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal secured a 2-1 victory over Al Fateh, a result that papers over some cracks but leaves questions about the team’s rhythm. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Ruben Neves converted a penalty earned by Salem Al-Dossari, delivering the win at a critical juncture of the season.
Performance Under Scrutiny
With the win, Al Hilal climbed to second on 23 points, briefly narrowing the gap to leaders Al Nassr to one point. Yet fans and many analysts argue the performance didn’t reflect the club’s established identity. Former Shabab and Saudi national team star Ahmed Atif said the three points are important in the title race, but the on-field showing didn’t match the expectations tied to the club’s ambitions.
Another veteran pundit, Hamad Al-Montashri, added that while results keep rolling in, the team struggles to break compact defenses and to convert chances. He highlighted a disconnect between the tactical ideas being discussed and how the team actually plays, stressing the need for sharper attacking action and more consistent execution.
He also noted that there’s a visible gap between the team’s supposed philosophy and the on-pitch reality, stressing that sustained improvement will depend on how well the squad translates training concepts into matchday performance. Even with the positive outcomes, the assessment remains that the fault lines could widen against tougher, better-organized opponents.
Ultimately, the analysis centers on balance: the defense has shown resilience, but the attack must become more incisive and the approach more coherent if the club wants to sustain a title challenge. The three points are welcome, but not a guarantee of future stability if form doesn’t improve.
Punchline 1: Inzaghi’s plan is so encrypted that even the analysts need a decoder—and a good sense of humor.
Punchline 2: The schedule is playing keeper, the tactics keep wandering, and the fans keep waiting for the moment the plan actually lands.
