Al-Hilal have won their second successive title

The win in their final game of the season gave them a total of 54 points. Merreikh finished as runners-up with 51.

But the champions suffered an early scare in the game, as Abdel Hamid Al Saudi gave Merreikh the lead in the 12th minute.

Al-Hilal drew level in the 40th minute, when Brazilian midfielder Robiero converted a penalty kick.

Despite the expulsion of defender Ammar Marag, which saw Hilal play the second half with ten men, they maintained their attacking tempo.

The strategy subsequently paid off, with Haysam Tambal heading home the winner in the 68th minute, off a cross from Robiero.

Tambal, who has scored 20 goals for Hilal, is the league's top scorer.

Sofian Al Hadoussi, Hilal's Tunisian manager, said the determination of his players to win the title played a key role in their close victory.

"Our opponent was technically better but we took advantage of our chances," the coach said.