Al Hilal Clashes with Istiqlal Tehran in the AFC Champions League
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal aims to secure a fourth consecutive victory in the revamped AFC Champions League as they host the Iranian side Istiqlal Tehran today, Monday.
Al Hilal has triumphed in their first three games in the West Asia group, most recently clinching a thrilling 5-4 win over UAE’s Al Ain, the reigning champion. This victory was powered by a hat-trick from Salem Al-Dawsari and the return of Brazilian star Neymar, marking his first appearance in over a year.
Al Hilal kicked off their continental journey with a 3-1 away win over the Qatari side Al Rayyan, followed by a decisive 5-0 home victory against the Iraqi club Al Shorta. They then overcame Al Ain, despite finishing the match with ten men after defender Ali Al-Bulaihi was sent off in the 82nd minute.
After spending over a year sidelined by injury, Neymar made his much-anticipated return, coming on in the 77th minute as a substitute for the injured Nasser Al-Dawsari, with Al Hilal holding a 5-3 lead.
The clash with Al Ain was a revenge match for Al Hilal, who were eliminated in last year’s semifinals by the Emirati team (4-2 in the first leg and 2-1 in the return leg). Al Ain went on to capture the title by defeating Japan’s Yokohama Marinos, ending Al Hilal’s historic 34-match winning streak across all competitions.
Al Hilal faces Istiqlal Tehran, who have secured just one victory from their first three games, alongside two losses. The Saudi side enters this fixture after a 1-1 draw against fierce local rivals Al Nassr in Friday’s local league match, where they currently sit at the top of the standings, just one point ahead of second-place Al Ittihad.
Al Ahli Also Seeks a Fourth Win
Like Al Hilal, Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli is aiming for a fourth consecutive win to maintain their perfect record as they host Iraqi side Al Shorta, who currently sit in ninth place out of 12 teams in the West, with just two points.
Despite their impressive run in the continental tournament, Al Ahli has faced challenges in the Saudi league, currently sitting in ninth place after last Thursday’s “Jeddah Derby” defeat to Al Ittihad (0-1), which marked their fourth loss of the season.
German coach Matthias Jaissle, following the 2-1 away victory against Al Rayyan in the previous round, expressed optimism that his team will keep improving in the upcoming stages.
According to the AFC website, Jaissle stated, ‘I thank the players for their efforts in this match, and we look forward to using these games as opportunities to grow and advance in this important tournament.’
Emirati double champion Al Wasl will host Qatar’s Al Sadd in a face-off between the fifth-placed team (6 points) and the third (7 points) in the standings.
Al Wasl enters the match grappling with struggles in the local league, having gone winless in their last four matches. However, on the continental stage, they have accumulated six points from three games.
Al Wasl Club President Ahmed Al Shaafar stated, ‘The league is far from over, and we’re still early in the season. Our focus will be on all competitions, with the continental tournament holding special significance as we represent the UAE.’
He added, ‘The match against Al Sadd will present a unique challenge for Al Wasl, and we aim to maintain our strong performance in it.
Qatari side Al Gharafa will travel to face Iran’s Persepolis, looking to capitalize on the hosts’ low spirit after they secured just one point from their first three games, leaving them in tenth place.
In contrast, Al Gharafa has secured three points from a second-round victory over defending champion Al Ain, 4-2.
Al Gharafa acknowledges the challenge ahead, especially after a tough 3-0 defeat in Iran against Istiqlal in the opening round, followed by another setback at home against Al Wasl, losing 1-2 in the previous round.
