Al Hilal Extends AFC Champions League Elite lead with 3-1 Win Over Al Sadd
RIYADH, Qatar – Al Hilal secured a third consecutive victory in the AFC Champions League Elite standings, defeating Al Sadd 3-1 at the Kingdom Arena yesterday. The win maintains Al Hilal’s perfect start to the competition and solidifies their position at the top of the table with nine points.
Yusuf Akcicek opened the scoring for Al Hilal in the 25th minute, followed by a goal from Kalidou Koulibaly in the 40th minute. Al Sadd’s Roberto Firmino responded in the 63rd minute, but Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s late free-kick in the 81st minute sealed the result for the hosts.
Al Hilal goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham preserved the three-goal advantage, saving Kaio Cesar’s penalty in stoppage time.
The result leaves Al sadd with two points and in ninth place in the standings. Al Ahli Saudi, Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Wahda are all tied on seven points, trailing Al Hilal.
Al Sadd will next host Al Ahli Saudi in Doha on November 4, while Al Hilal will face Al Gharafa on November 3.
