Yannick Carrasco scored a hat-trick and created another goal as Al Shabab thrashed Al Ahli 6-1 in the Saudi Pro League’s mini-Clasico.
The Belgium winger was the outstanding player at SHG Arena in Riyadh on Friday, scoring twice from the penalty spot and adding a superb free-kick in a dominant performance.
The result came in the 12th round of the Saudi Pro League and gave Al Shabab a comprehensive victory over their domestic rivals.
Carrasco opened his account in the 26th minute, producing an accomplished free-kick which beat Al Ahli’s young substitute goalkeeper Abdullah Abduh.
Three minutes into the second half, the 33-year-old turned provider. His cross found Brazilian striker Ricardo Matias, who headed the ball into the net to put Al Shabab 4-1 ahead.
Carrasco then restored his scoring role in the 66th minute, converting a penalty for his second goal of the match. The spot-kick had been awarded after Colombian forward Roger Martinez was brought down by Al Ahli defender Mohamed Suleiman Bakr.
Bakr was involved again in the 82nd minute when he fouled Carrasco inside the area. The Al Shabab winger took responsibility from 12 yards and completed his hat-trick, sealing the capital club’s sixth goal.
The treble was Carrasco’s second in the Saudi Pro League. According to Opta, he had previously scored three times in a match against Riyadh in February.
It also made him only the second player to score a hat-trick in the Al Ahli-Al Shabab mini-Clasico since the 2009-10 season. Mohamed Benyatto achieved the feat for Al Shabab in September 2016.
Carrasco’s three goals took his league tally for the current season to six. That moved him into the race for the Saudi Pro League’s leading scorer award, although Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney remains clear at the top with 13 goals.
The result leaves Carrasco and Al Shabab with a significant attacking contribution from their leading player, while Al Ahli suffered a heavy defeat in a fixture that had been expected to provide a closer contest.
Al Ahli’s next listed Saudi Pro League fixture is against Abha on 5 November 2026. Al Shabab are also listed for action on that date, while Al Sadd’s AFC Champions League Elite fixture is scheduled for 2 November 2026.
