Steven Gerrard lost his first match in charge of Al-Ettifaq after being beaten 2-0 by a strong Al-Hilal side in Riyadh.

The visitors, captained by Jordan Henderson, were unable to fight their way back into proceedings after first-half goals from former Barcelona star Malcom and Salem Aldawsari.

Victory moves Al-Hilal to within two points of Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad, while Al-Ettifaq remains fifth with just seven points from four matches.

Gerrard is now winless in his last two matches in charge of one of Saudi Arabia's biggest clubs amidst a difficult start to managerial life in the Middle East.

The hosts handed a first home start to former Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic after he scored on his debut with a trademark header following his £50m move.

However, they are still waiting to give Neymar his first outing while the Brazilian recovers from injury.

Meanwhile, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was suspended after being sent off in their 4-0 away win over Al-Raed last time out but were further strengthened by ex-Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.

Henderson led out Al-Ettifaq in his first away clash after recovering from a short-term illness but struggled early on as Al-Hilal struck twice in the first half.

Brazilian striker Malcom fired the hosts ahead in the 24th minute after being played through by Mitrovic following some neat build-up play.

The 26-year-old latched onto a through-ball and finished with a powerful strike across the face of goal into the bottom corner.

Matters were made worse for Gerrard's team when Aldawsari doubled the hosts' lead just four minutes before half-time with a brilliant strike.

A bouncing ball ricocheted around the penalty area before falling to the 32-year-old who rifled a scissor-kick finish past the Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper.

The visitors attempted to respond with late substitutions but lacked potency in the final third as the hosts wrapped up a comfortable win..............