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 Aldaws
Lari.
Victory moves Al-Hilal to within two points of Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad, while Al-Ettifaq remain 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.
