This Tuesday, at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal beat Al-Ain, a team led by Hernán Crespo, by a score of 2 to 1, but was eliminated in the semi-final stage of the Asian Champions League, by an aggregate of 5 to 4. Rúben Neves, from the penalty spot, and Salem Al Dawsari scored for the home team and Brazilian Erik scored Al-Ain’s goal. Neymar, an Al-Hilal athlete who is recovering from a knee injury, was at the stadium and watched his team’s elimination.
Al-Hilal returns to the pitch this Friday, at 12pm (Brasília time), to face Al-Fateh, in the 29th round of the Saudi Championship, at the Kingdom Arena. Al-Ain, this Saturday, at 1:45 pm, will face Shabab Al Ahly, at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, in the 21st round of the Emirati Championship.
Salem Al Dawsari brought Al Hilal back into the game 🔥
Can they get the all important goal?
Watch Live 📺 https://t.co/vSjkAe96Nh#ACL | #HILvAIN pic.twitter.com/rhZ8u5b3IA
— #ACL (@TheAFCCL) April 23, 2024
This Wednesday, Al-Ain will meet its rival in the tournament’s final, as Yokohoma Marinos and Ulsan Hyundai face each other. The South Korean team defends a slim lead, 1-0. The final, in turn, will be decided in two games. The location and time have not yet been announced, the duels will take place on May 11th and 25th.
Al-Hilal opened the scoring five minutes into the first half. Before the first minute, Michael was brought down in the penalty area and, after a VAR review, the referee awarded the maximum penalty. Rúben Neves went for the penalty and didn’t waste it, filling the net of Khalid Eisa, the opposing archer.
The equalizer came after 11 minutes. After a beautiful exchange of passes, Yahia Nader received it on the right and crossed into the middle of the area. Brazilian Erik, with his right leg, hit a powerful low finish into Moroccan Bounou’s corner.
Six minutes into the second half, Al-Hilal scored their second goal of the match. Al-Ain’s defense barely cleared the danger and the ball fell to Salem Al Dawsari, who finished with his right foot into Khalid’s corner, with no chance for the goalkeeper.
In the 42nd minute, Al-Ain scored for the second time. However, the assistant signaled a foul on the play and the goal was disallowed.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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