However, the decisive moment came when Al-Hilal faced off against Al-Sadd. In a rollercoaster match, Al-Hilal initially took the lead with Milinkovic-Savic scoring in the 29th minute. But Al-Sadd responded quickly, equalizing through Claudinho just eight minutes later.

The match continued to swing back and forth, with Al-Dawsari scoring again for Al-Hilal in the 55th minute. Yet, Al-Sadd’s Roberto Firmino leveled the score at 3-3, forcing the game into a penalty shootout after extra time.

In the shootout, Al-Sadd triumphed over Al-Hilal, eliminating the favorites from the tournament. This shocking outcome shifted the landscape of the AFC Champions League, with Al-Sadd now set to face Vissel Kobe in the quarter-finals.

On the other side of the bracket, Al-Ahli secured their place in the quarterfinals with a late victory against Al-Duhail. Riyad Mahrez’s stunning free kick in the 117th minute clinched a 1-0 win, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments.

Al-Ahli will now meet Johor Darul Ta’zim in the next round, marking a significant achievement for the club. The tournament, hosted in Saudi Arabia for the second consecutive year, has seen a shift in power dynamics with unexpected eliminations.

Experts note that the centralized format has changed the competitive landscape, making every match critical. Al-Hilal’s exit serves as a reminder that even the strongest teams can falter under pressure.

As the quarterfinals approach, the stakes are higher than ever, and fans are eager to see how the remaining teams will adapt to the intense competition.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential lineup changes for the upcoming matches, but the excitement surrounding the AFC Champions League continues to grow.

The post AFC Champions League Update: Al-Ahli Advances, Al-Hilal Out appeared first on India News.

Before the match against Al-Taawoun, Al-Hilal fans were anxious. With star player Karim Benzema sidelined due to a toe injury, expectations were low. The team, currently second in the Roshen League with 64 points, was six points behind leaders Al-Nassr.

However, the decisive moment came in the 43rd minute when Mohamed Kader Miti, starting for the first time in the league due to injuries in the squad, scored the opening goal. His performance was a breath of fresh air for Al-Hilal, who had to rely on seven foreign players in their line-up.

Miti’s goal not only lifted the spirits of the team but also showcased his potential as a key player. Having joined Al-Hilal from Stade Rennais for a hefty fee of €30 million, Miti had previously played only four matches, starting just once against Al-Wahda.

His contribution was crucial, especially with Sergej Milinković-Savić out due to accumulated yellow cards. Al-Hilal’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, took a gamble by starting Miti, and it paid off.

“No Benzema, no problem… Miti makes his mark with Al-Hilal,” was the sentiment echoed by fans and analysts alike. Miti’s goal not only secured the win but also solidified his place in the squad.

With Benzema’s absence, Miti’s performance could be a turning point for Al-Hilal as they push for the league title. The team’s reliance on him has grown, and he is expected to step up in future matches.

As Al-Hilal continues their campaign, the pressure mounts. They must maintain their form to close the gap on Al-Nassr. The fans are hopeful that Miti can replicate this performance consistently.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Benzema’s injury, but his absence was felt on the pitch. The team will need to adapt quickly as they face upcoming challenges.

In the end, Miti’s goal was a reminder of the depth in Al-Hilal’s squad, even in tough times. The match against Al-Taawoun may just be the beginning of a new chapter for him.

The post Al-Hilal vs Al-Taawoun: Miti Shines in Benzema’s Absence appeared first on India News.