Al-Hilal vs Inter Miami CF: Saudi Club Edges Past MLS Rivals in Friendly
Riyadh Season Cup Match Recap
Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia defeated Inter Miami CF of the United States 4-3 in a friendly match on Monday, January 29, 2024. The match was part of the Riyadh Season Cup, a series of exhibition matches held in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal took an early lead through Matheus Pereira in the 10th minute, but Inter Miami CF equalized through Gonzalo HiguaÃn in the 25th minute. Al-Hilal regained the lead through Luciano Vietto in the 35th minute, but Inter Miami CF again equalized through Leonardo Campana in the 55th minute.
Al-Hilal took the lead for the third time through Andre Carrillo in the 70th minute, but Inter Miami CF refused to give up and equalized for the third time through Ariel Lassiter in the 80th minute. However, Al-Hilal had the last word when Malcolm scored a header in the 88th minute to give his team a 4-3 victory.
Malcolm's Late Header Proves Decisive
Al-Hilal's victory was secured thanks to a late header from Malcolm. The Brazilian forward rose highest to meet a cross from the right flank and power a header into the back of the net.
Malcolm's goal was his second of the match, having also scored Al-Hilal's first goal in the 10th minute. The 25-year-old has been in impressive form for Al-Hilal since joining the club from Zenit Saint Petersburg in the summer of 2023.
Inter Miami CF Showed Fighting Spirit
Despite the defeat, Inter Miami CF showed great fighting spirit and never gave up. The MLS side came back from behind on three occasions and were unlucky not to get a draw.
Inter Miami CF were led by their captain, Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar played the full 90 minutes and was a constant threat to the Al-Hilal defense. However, Messi was unable to find the back of the net and will be disappointed not to have marked his debut for Inter Miami CF with a goal.
Conclusion
Al-Hilal's victory over Inter Miami CF was a hard-fought and deserved one. The Saudi club showed their quality and experience, while Inter Miami CF showed their fighting spirit and never gave up.
Both teams will now turn their attention to their respective league campaigns. Al-Hilal will play their next match in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Shabab on February 2, 2024. Inter Miami CF will play their next match in the MLS against the Philadelphia Union on February 11, 2024.
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