Al-Hilal maintain their historic habit on the night they beat Al-Faisaly

The chief does not fall at the start

Al-Hilal kicked off their Roshn Saudi Pro League campaign in familiar fashion, beating Al-Faisaly 4-2 on Friday evening in the first round to open the new season with a valuable win.

The three points told only part of the story. With this result Al-Hilal preserved a distinguished opening-round record, having never lost their first league fixture throughout their history. It's a figure that speaks to their strength in handling the curtain-raiser.

Karim Benzema, Malcom and Ruben Neves put the hosts three goals up before the break. Al-Faisaly hit back with two of their own in the second half, but Neves settled the contest from the penalty spot to make it four.

The victory extended Al-Hilal's run of positive results in the opening round, proof that dropping points from the off simply isn't in their plans, whatever the opponent or the circumstances from one campaign to the next.

Such a start hands Al-Hilal a crucial morale boost as they set out on the new season, especially with the club chasing every trophy on offer. Once again, the opening round proved the occasion on which they refuse to break their habit of avoiding defeat.