Darwin Nunez nets debut goal in see-saw clash at Al Hilal | OneFootball

Deprived of a goal on Roshn Saudi League debut, Darwin Nunez needed only one more match to put that right.

The Uruguayan international, one of the Saudi Arabian top flight’s most high-profile signings this summer, showed why Al Hilal added him to their already well-stocked ranks, when he slid home an equaliser to draw the hosts level with Al Qadsiah at Kingdom Arena on Saturday night.

Simone Inzaghi’s side were down early, another recent recruit getting off the mark in the RSL, too. On six minutes, debutant Christopher Bonsu Baah pounced on a loose ball to finish expertly inside Yassine Bono's post, Al Qadsiah signalling their intent for the new season.

Fourth last term, evidentially they bid to be better.

Darwin, though, has been brought primarily for Al Hilal to reclaim the title they relinquished in May to Al Ittihad.

The former Liverpool forward, whose goal against Al Riyadh in Matchweek 1 was ruled off for a foul in the build-up, opened his RSL account four minutes into the second half, meeting Malcom’s centre to place past Koen Casteels in the Al Qadsiah goal.

However, parity lasted 77 seconds. Immediately going up the other end, Al Qadsiah were back in front, Julian Quinones sweeping past Bono following a delightful one-two with the visitors’ own Uruguayan, Nahitan Nandez.

But, ultimately, a clash pitting together two of the top teams in the RSL ended with honours even. With 17 minutes remaining, Bonsu Baah felled Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the Al Qadsiah penalty area, and Ruben Neves converted from the spot.

So, an entertaining 2-2 draw ensured there was nothing between potential title rivals. Yet, for Darwin and also Ghana’s Bonsu Baah, they are up and running for their respective new employers.

Earlier on Saturday, Al Khaleej moved to the top of the early table with a convincing 3-0 victory at home to Al Fayha, with summer addition Joshua King finding the net again. Dimitrious Kourbelis and Paolo Fernandes were also on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, over in Najran, Al Taawoun let slip a 2-0 lead at Al Okhdood before Musa Barrow’s second of the night sealed the three points, the visitors triumphing 3-2.