Martinelli starts as Al Hilal's 47-game unbeaten streak ends

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Al Hilal's 47-game unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League ended after a 2-0 home loss to Neom on Monday.

It was the first league defeat for coach Simone Inzaghi, who arrived from Inter Milan in June 2025, and it also stopped Al Hilal's perfect start of five wins in five matches this season.

Inzaghi selected all three of his high-profile attackers, signed this summer from Premier League clubs for a combined fee reported at more than $200 million.

Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli made his first start since arriving in Riyadh from Arsenal on Thursday, four days after former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins joined. Cyrenscio Summerville signed for the 19-time Saudi champion in July from West Ham.

Despite such firepower, Al Hilal failed to hit the target for the first time this season and went behind after 15 minutes as former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly scored an own goal. Ivory Coast midfielder Amadou Koné added the second just before halftime.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr can move level on points with league leader Al Hilal with a win on Thursday against Abha.