Ruben Neves produced a decisive performance as Al Hilal defeated Al-Raed to secure their place in the last 16 of the King's Cup.

The Portugal international scored twice, including a late second goal, to settle a difficult contest and prevent Al Hilal from suffering an early exit from the competition.

The result will also come as a welcome boost for head coach Simone Inzaghi, whose side struggled to find their best attacking rhythm for long periods.

Neves Breaks Deadlock From Penalty Spot

Al Hilal began the round-of-32 tie looking to impose themselves on the game, but they found it difficult to create a consistent attacking threat.

Neves eventually provided the breakthrough from the penalty spot, confidently converting to give the visitors the advantage.

The midfielder's composure from 12 yards gave Al Hilal an important lead, but it did not completely solve the team's problems.

Al-Raed continued to threaten and remained within touching distance as Al Hilal struggled to establish complete control of the contest.

Al Hilal Struggle Despite Taking Lead

The Saudi giants were unable to turn their advantage into a comfortable victory.

Al-Raed continued to compete strongly, while Al Hilal's attack lacked the fluidity and intensity expected from a team with their quality.

Inzaghi's players needed to remain disciplined as the possibility of an Al-Raed equaliser remained alive deep into the second half.

The pressure increased the importance of finding a second goal, and once again Neves stepped forward.

Neves Seals Victory With Late Strike

With the match still in the balance, Neves delivered the decisive moment in the 81st minute.

The Portuguese midfielder found the net again with an excellent finish to give Al Hilal a crucial cushion and effectively settle the contest.

It was a timely intervention from one of the team's most important players, turning what had been an uncomfortable evening into a winning result.

Neves finished the night with both of Al Hilal's goals and emerged as the clear difference-maker.

Neves Rescues Inzaghi From Difficult Night

The victory was particularly valuable for Inzaghi after Al Hilal's performance fell short of the standards expected from the Saudi giants.

Rather than allowing the pressure to build, Neves produced when his team needed him most.

His two goals ensured that Al Hilal avoided a potentially damaging cup upset and moved into the next round.

For Inzaghi, the result provides an opportunity to focus on improving the team's performance while maintaining their progress in the competition.

Al Hilal Advance to King's Cup Last 16

The victory sends Al Hilal into the round of 16 of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, commonly known as the King's Cup.

Neves' contribution will be one of the major talking points from the match, particularly because his second goal arrived at a crucial stage of the contest.

Al Hilal will now turn their attention back to their domestic campaign while awaiting their next opponent in the cup.

Key Match Takeaways

• Ruben Neves scored twice for Al Hilal.
• Neves opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
• The Portugal midfielder added a second goal in the 81st minute.
• Al Hilal defeated Al-Raed in the King's Cup round of 32.
• Simone Inzaghi's side advanced to the last 16.
• Neves' goals proved decisive after Al Hilal struggled to dominate the match.

Why It Matters

The result gives Al Hilal important momentum in the King's Cup while allowing Inzaghi's team to avoid an unwanted early exit.

For Neves, the performance further underlines his importance to the side. When Al Hilal struggled to create a comfortable margin, the Portugal international provided the goals that ultimately made the difference.

SportsLigue