Al-Hilal's Half-Time Dominance and Second-Half Struggles

Al-Hilal walked off at half-time looking untouchable, three goals clear and cruising. By the hour mark, that comfort had vanished, the game suddenly tight after a five-minute storm from Al-Faisaly that exposed a jarring drop in intensity.

For coach Inzaghi, the contrast between the two halves was as stark as the scoreline suggested. Speaking to Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat", the Italian did not hide from the issue.

"In the first half we played wonderfully," he said. "In the second half there was a lack of output from some of the players, but we can improve that."

The performance swing clearly grated on the coaching staff. The rhythm, the control, the sharpness that defined the opening 45 minutes evaporated after the break, and Al-Faisaly pounced.

"In the second half there was a drop in level, and this is something we suffered from as a coaching staff," Inzaghi admitted. "But we always work to make our fans happy."

Selection decisions are already under the microscope, not least the continued absence of French full-back Theo Hernandez, who has been training with the group but is yet to feature.

"Theo Hernandez arrived late to the group, and did not get a sufficient number of training sessions," Inzaghi explained. "Soon we will see him with the team."

Transfer noise is swirling too. Brazilian winger Malcom has been linked with a move to newly promoted Al-Diriyah in the Roshn League, but Inzaghi kept his focus on the player’s performances, not the market.

"Malcom put in an excellent performance, and he must continue to deliver at this level," he said. "I do not want to talk about the transfer window, because that is a matter for the sporting management."

The night also brought another flashpoint: Karim Benzema’s reaction to being substituted in the 70th minute. The French striker bristled at the decision, sparking debate around his role and status under the new regime.

Inzaghi, though, played down any notion of a rift.

"It was a conversation between a coach and his player, which included some banter and talk about the course of the match," he said when asked what passed between them after the game. "As a striker, he always works to be present in attacking situations."

Behind the established stars, a younger generation is pushing for space. Inzaghi closed by underlining that those waiting in the wings will not be forgotten, picking out one name in particular.

"We have players of a high level, and Sabri Dahl will get his chance in the future, him and the rest of the young players."

For Al-Hilal, the message is clear: tighten the second-half lapses, manage the egos, integrate the late arrivals, and trust the kids. The margin for error will only shrink as the season bites.