Al-Ettifaq 0-5 Al-Hilal: Nunez stars to send Inzaghi's side into second

Darwin Nunez played a starring role as Al-Hilal climbed to second in the Saudi Pro League with a 5-0 thrashing of Al-Ettifaq.

The former Liverpool striker scored twice and provided an assist, while a Marcos Leonardo brace and Ruben Neves penalty completed the rout at EGO Stadium.

Simone Inzaghi's side broke the deadlock midway through the first half, when Leonardo tucked away at the second attempt after his initial strike was blocked.

The visitors doubled their lead six minutes before half-time as Malcom put the ball on a plate for Nunez to finish from close range.

It was 3-0 within three minutes of the second half, Neves calmly slotting home from the spot after Jack Hendry was penalised for handball.

Former Wolves midfielder Neves also played a key role in Al-Hilal's fourth goal on 55 minutes. His free-kick was met by Nunez, who cushioned it for Leonardo to head in his second goal of the game.

Nunez then completed his own brace, and the rout, nodding home Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's deep cross at the far post.

Data Debrief: Lucky 13 for Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal are now unbeaten in each of their last 13 Saudi Pro League matches, and each of the last 10 they have played in October; winning each of their most recent eight.

The Blue Waves have avoided defeat in each of their last 16 league matches when leading at half-time (won 14, drawn two).

After assisting Nunez, Malcom has now contributed to goals in each of his last four league games (three goals, three assists).

Meanwhile, Neves' successful spot-kick means Al-Hilal have converted each of their last five in the Saudi Pro League.