Al Hilal suffered their first defeat of pre-season, going down 2-0 to Algerian champions MC Alger in Austria despite a debut appearance for new Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.
The Saudi Pro League title holders were beaten in their third warm-up match ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with goals in each half condemning them to defeat on Wednesday.
Sofiane Bayazid put MC Alger in front on 30 minutes, reacting quickest after a corner caused chaos in the Hilal penalty area. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic initially cleared off the goal-line, but his intervention only pushed the ball into the path of Bayazid, who finished into an empty net.
Mohamed Benkhemassa doubled the advantage on the hour mark with a powerful strike from outside the box. Substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Al Rubaie was unable to keep out the long-range effort, which flew beyond his reach to seal the win for the Algerian champions.
The match, part of Hilal’s overseas training camp in Austria, was briefly halted after the second goal. According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Algerian supporters set off smoke devices in celebration, prompting a short stoppage before play resumed.
New arrivals handed first Hilal outings
Hilal head coach staff used the friendly to integrate several recent signings, with both full-backs Mohammed Mahzari and Mohammed Al Sarnukh making their first appearances since joining the club this summer.
Mahzari started the match following his move from Al Taawoun, while Al Sarnukh came on as a substitute after arriving from Al Fateh in the current transfer window.
Summerville, recently signed from West Ham United, was introduced after half-time for his first minutes in a Hilal shirt. The Dutch winger was unable to spark a comeback, however, as MC Alger held firm to preserve their clean sheet.
The defeat marked Hilal’s first reverse of their pre-season schedule. They had previously opened their preparations with a 2-1 win over Austrian side Sturm Graz, followed by a 2-0 victory against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Camp to conclude with Qatari test
Hilal will complete their Austrian camp with one final friendly against Al Ahli of Qatar on 3 August, before returning to Riyadh to continue preparations for the new season.
The Riyadh club are using the overseas camp to build fitness and integrate their new signings ahead of a campaign in which they will again compete on multiple fronts domestically and in continental competition.