RIYADH: Saudi Professional League reigning champions Al-Hilal FC held North American Soccer League champions Cosmos to a 0-0 draw in a friendly at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium Saturday night.

“It is our hope that this historic visit to Saudi Arabia will unite people through the beautiful game of soccer,” said Cosmos head coach and sporting director Giovanni Savarese in a statement.

The friendly match between the two premier soccer clubs comes off a historic trip by US President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia.

The two-time defending North American Soccer League champions were invited to play against the Kingdom’s premier soccer team by the General Entertainment Authority.

Singer Majd Al-Mujandes performed a song for the fans while paratroopers engaged in a professional show hours before kick-off. A camera-equipped drone was seen hovering above the stadium before kick-off.

Despite a slight sandstorm, the teams displayed skills that explained why they are champions in their respective leagues, causing the predominantly Saudi crowd to break into intermittent applause while chanting a hymn of support.

Former Al-Hilal stars graced the event, including Swede Christian Wilhelmson and Libyan Tarik El-Taib. Luis Figo, player of the year in 2000, was also there.

“It was a good game against a very good team,” said Cosmos defender David Ochieng in a statement. “We are thankful to come and play Al-Hilal.”

Cosmos midfielder Juan Guerra added said: “The atmosphere at the stadium was great. It was an honor to come all the way from America to play in Riyadh. We felt very welcome.”

Cosmos’ first chance to score came in the eighth minute, when defender Ryan Richter found a space on the right wing, crossing the ball to midfielder Andres Flores who curled the ball on top of the net. Richter continued to be a presence in attack, sending a shot just wide in the 27th minute.

The visitors defended well, keeping Al-Hilal from finding the target. Cosmos’ back line and goalkeeper Brian J. Holt managed to avert occasional danger.

A tame second half saw the ball mostly midfield until Al-Hilal tested Holt in the 72nd minute.

He came through with a save, and defender Dejan Jakovic cleared the ball from the penalty area. The game picked up pace after midfielder Salvatore Barone made his Cosmos debut, coming on as a second-half sub for veteran Ayoze Garcia Perez.

Barone gave forward Irvin Herrera an opportunity in front of the net as Cosmos were denied by Al-Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Waked.

Cosmos postponed a game against FC Edmonton, scheduled for Saturday, until June 7 to play in the international friendly.