Three key takeaways from Al Hilal’s Saudi Super Cup triumph over Al Ittihad

Al Hilal claimed its first trophy of the season on Thursday night as a 4-1 victory against old rival Al Ittihad secured a recordextending fourth Saudi Super Cup success for the club from Riyadh.

A brace from Malcom, plus goals from Salem AlDawsari and Nasser AlDawsari, handed Jorge Jesus’ side a comprehensive victory, with Abderrazak Hamdallah’s first-half equalizer as close as Al Ittihad came to being competitive in a match that was dominated by the Saudi Pro League leaders.

Here Al Arabiya English brings you three key takeaways from Al Hilal’s Saudi Super Cup triumph over Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi.

Al Hilal’s world record winning streak has brought the club global attention in recent weeks and victory at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium was its 34th in succession - a run stretching back to September.

But for all the adulation surrounding this team’s incredible form this season, Al Hilal did not yet have a physical trophy to show for its efforts. Until now.

Coach Jesus would have been particularly impressed with the manner of victory in Abu Dhabi. His side has played fearlessly in recent months and it was the case again on Thursday night as Al Hilal proved wholly unfazed by the occasion, producing a free-flowing display of attacking football that totally overran its opponent.

Al Hilal dominated possession, seeing 59 percent of the ball, and had a total of 19 shots to Al Ittihad’s five; it was good value for the 41 scoreline.

The final whistle brought a special moment for Al Hilal captain Salem

Al-Dawsari, who lifted the trophy for the second successive year after scoring in a second straight Saudi Super Cup final.

Al-Dawsari, the first Saudi player to appear in Spain’s La Liga, provided arguably the most decisive intervention of the night for his team; it seemed the sides would be locked at 11 heading into half-time until Al-Dawsari produced a fine right-foot finish to give Al Hilal the lead, and the mental edge, heading into the interval.

The deserved win over Al Ittihad shows that Jesus’ players have what it takes to get over the finish line and it could be the first piece of silverware of a remarkable quadruple haul.