In a thrilling encounter, Al Sadd eliminated Al Hilal from the AFC Champions League, winning a penalty shootout after a dramatic 3-3 draw on April 13, 2026, at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic put Al Hilal ahead in the 29th minute, igniting hopes for the home side. However, Al Sadd responded quickly, with Claudinho equalizing just eight minutes later.
Al Hilal regained the lead in the 55th minute through Salem Al-Dawsari, but Al Sadd was relentless. Rafa Mojica struck back in the 58th minute, leveling the score once again.
Marcus Leonardo scored for Al Hilal in the 67th minute, seemingly putting them in control. Yet, Roberto Firmino had other plans, equalizing for Al Sadd and ensuring the match ended 3-3 after extra time.
The match featured an attacking pace from both sides, showcasing the talents of stars like Karim Benzema and Firmino. The tension mounted as the game progressed, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
Ultimately, Al Sadd triumphed in the shootout, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. This match marks a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between these two clubs.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the implications of this match. Al Hilal, a powerhouse in Asian football, will need to regroup after this unexpected exit.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future strategies of both teams as they look ahead to their next challenges in domestic and international competitions.
