AFC Champions League League Phase West - 3
Al-Hilal Saudi FC 3 - 1 FT Al Sadd
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
25' Y. Akcicek (K. Koulibaly)
40' K. Koulibaly (R. Neves)
Tarek Salman 45'+3
HT
Mohamed Camara 49'
Paulo Otávio 61'
Roberto Firmino (Pedro Miguel) 63'
↓ Giovani ↑H. Al Haydos 74'
↓ M. Camara ↑A. Soria 74'
78' ↓ A. Al Hamdan ↑A. Lajami
78' ↓ M. Kanno ↑N. Al Dawsari
78' ↓ Marcos Leonardo ↑D. Nunez
87' Darwin Núñez
87' ↓ S. Milinkovic-Savic ↑A. Al Malki
↓ Pedro Miguel ↑A. Al Yazidi 87'
↓ A. Afif ↑R. Mujica 87'
Abdulla Al Yazidi 90'+2
90'+6 ↓ T. Hernandez ↑A. Darisi
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Al-Hilal Saudi FC
Goalkeepers
Bono 
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
2
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
M. Al Harbi 
DRIBBLER
3
Dribbles
3
Dribbles
3
Attempts
100%
Success %
K. Koulibaly 
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Y. Akcicek
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
T. Hernandez 
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
23%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
M. Kanno 
LATE SHIFT
12
Late Mins
12
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
78
Entry
R. Neves
ARCHITECT
5
Key Passes
5
Key Passes
1
Assists
34%
Pass Acc
Kaio Cesar
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
S. Milinkovic-Savic 
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
A. Al Hamdan
LATE SHIFT
12
Late Mins
12
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
78
Entry
Forwards
Marcos Leonardo
LATE SHIFT
12
Late Mins
12
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
78
Entry
BENCH
A. Abu Rasen 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
A. Al Bulayhi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Lajami
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Tambakti
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Al Dawsari
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Al Malki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Nunez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Malcom
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Darisi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Radif
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Al Rubaie
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Al Sadd
Goalkeepers
M. Barsham 
PENALTY HERO
1
Pens Saved
1
Pens Saved
5
Saves
7.7
Rating
Defenders
Pedro Miguel 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.2
Rating
A. Suhail
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
T. Salman
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Paulo Otavio
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
M. Camara
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
74
Total Mins
74
Entry
Guilherme
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Giovani
DRIBBLER
5
Dribbles
5
Dribbles
7
Attempts
71%
Success %
Claudinho
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Afif 
NPC
87
Minutes
87
Minutes
37%
Pass Acc
6.2
Rating
Forwards
Roberto Firmino
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
BENCH
S. Al Sheeb
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Y. Abdullla
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
A. Bakri Al Ameen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Asad
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Waad
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Meshaal
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Prim
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Soria
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
16
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Al Yazidi 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
1
Fouls
6.2
Rating
H. Al Haydos
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
16
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Ali
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Mujica
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26/11/2024 | Al Sadd | 1 - 1 | Al-Hilal Saudi FC | AFC Champions League | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium |
| 30/07/2023 | Al-Hilal Saudi FC | 2 - 3 | Al Sadd | Arab Club Champions Cup | Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium |
| 22/10/2019 | Al-Hilal Saudi FC | 2 - 4 | Al Sadd | AFC Champions League | King Saud University Stadium |
| 01/10/2019 | Al Sadd | 1 - 4 | Al-Hilal Saudi FC | AFC Champions League | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium |
26/11/2024
30/07/2023
22/10/2019
01/10/2019
Al-Hilal Saudi FC Win
Al Sadd Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 3 GD: +4
P: 3 GD: +6
P: 3 GD: +4
P: 3 GD: +3
P: 3 GD: +5
P: 3 GD: -4
P: 3 GD: +1
P: 3 GD: -3
P: 3 GD: -2
P: 3 GD: -3
P: 3 GD: -5
League Standings
P: 8 GD: +11
P: 8 GD: +12
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +13
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: 0
P: 8 GD: 0
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -14
P: 8 GD: -14
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Attacking Supremacy at Kingdom Arena
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 42/100. Our verdict: This convincing victory proves that ruthless attacking efficiency is far more lethal than passive possession on the elite Asian stage.
The Kingdom Arena Siege
Kingdom Arena witnessed a clash of contrasting tactical philosophies as Al-Hilal Saudi FC hosted Al Sadd in this crucial AFC Champions League fixture. The visitors actually edged possession in the early exchanges, holding 52% of the ball as they attempted to silence the vibrant home crowd. However, a sky-high Intensity rating tells the story of the hosts' pressing, which quickly turned the pitch into a one-way shooting gallery. Despite seeing less of the ball, the Saudi giants registered a staggering 23 shots compared to a mere four from the Qatari side. The visiting defense, anchored by veteran Boualem Khoukhi, found themselves instantly under siege. Waves of blue shirts crashed into the final third, establishing a relentless tempo that demanded pure survival mode from the away side right from the opening whistle.
The Defensive Playmaker Pivot
The decisive turning point arrived when the sheer volume of pressure finally cracked the defensive resolve. The Balance of power shifted emphatically around the 25th minute. After sustained corner pressure—contributing to 12 total set-pieces in the match—the breakthrough materialized beautifully. A clever sequence saw Koulibaly step up to turn provider, floating a precise delivery that located Yusuf Akçiçek. The imposing defender made no mistake, burying the crucial chance to fundamentally alter the match's complexion. While the tactical tug-of-war produced a brief lead change over the ninety minutes, this specific attacking sequence proved that the hosts could bypass possession play with brutal efficiency. Maximizing their 16 shots inside the penalty area, the home side consistently found the dangerous pockets of space that the visitors desperately tried to close down.
Cementing Top Spot
As the final whistle approached, the 3-1 scoreline perfectly reflected the overwhelming attacking disparity. A look at the Stakes shows an immense outcome for the home side, who extended their dominant unbeaten streak and cemented their position at the summit of the standings with 19 points. For the traveling Qatari outfit, the defeat leaves them languishing in eighth place, fully aware that their conservative passing strategy failed to produce any meaningful penetration. The exceptionally low Upset Factor reflects how the sheer weight of the offensive machinery nullified any potential surprises. The reigning league leaders proved yet again why they are the undisputed team to beat in Asia, turning a potentially tricky continental fixture into a resounding statement of intent in front of their ecstatic local supporters.
Key Questions
Did the derby intensity affect the quality of play?
While not a local derby, regional rivalry brought fierce energy. Al-Hilal channeled this into a highly clinical attacking display rather than letting emotions disrupt their tactical rhythm.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
The Gulf Titans Collide at Kingdom Arena
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 65/100. A high-stakes continental clash that defines the hierarchy of West Asian football as Al-Hilal look to cement their position in the top-eight qualification bracket.
The Setup
As the AFC Champions League league stage intensifies, the Kingdom Arena plays host to a classic rivalry. Al-Hilal Saudi FC enters this fixture with a formidable Form rating of 7.2, bolstered by a perfect winning record on home soil this season. Their offensive output has been relentless, averaging 3.0 goals per game, making them the most feared unit in the competition. In contrast, Al Sadd arrives sitting 8th in the table, fighting to stay above the top-24 playoff line. While their Stakes score of 9.5 highlights the desperation for points, their recent run of three losses in five matches suggests a team searching for Balance against elite opposition.
Key Battle
The tactical heart of this match lies in the midfield transition. Al-Hilal’s deep-lying playmakers, led by the technical precision of Rúben Neves, will look to dictate the tempo and feed the clinical D. Núñez. Al Sadd must rely on the creative spark of Akram Afif and the energy of M. Camara to disrupt the hosts' rhythm. If Al Sadd's midfield unit cannot close the gaps between the lines, the defensive pairing including T. Hernández will find it easy to initiate wave after wave of attacks.
Our Prediction
Expect Al-Hilal to assert dominance early. Their ability to stretch the pitch and exploit the half-spaces should prove too much for an Al Sadd side that has conceded nearly two goals per game recently. While Claudinho may find a moment of magic for the visitors, the sheer depth of the hosts' Stars should secure a comfortable 3-1 victory, keeping Al-Hilal firmly in control of the West region.