Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr egde past Al-Duhail despite Phillipe Coutinho’s brace in the AFC Champions League
Al-Nassr beat Al-Duhail without Cristiano Ronaldo thanks to an Anderson Talisca hattrick.
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Philippe Coutinho. (Via X/@totalcristiano & AlNassr_Zone)
Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League featured fireworks, as Al-Duhail took on Al-Nassr at the Khalifa International Stadium. Al-Nassr finished a 10th consecutive game unbeaten, and 4th game unbeaten in the AFC Champions League. In a high-octane clash, Al-Nassr got the better of Al-Duhail as the game ended 2-3.
A brace from former FC Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho was not enough to keep the visitors at bay. Anderson Talisca, Al-Nassr’s 2nd highest topscorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo, scored a sublime hat-trick to ensure that Al-Nassr maintained their perfect streak in the group stages. Philippe Coutinho’s 8th-minute goal gave the home side the early advantage.
However, an effortless hat-trick by Anderson Talisca proved to be the difference between the two sides. A late penalty by Phillippe Coutinho was not enough for the home side to escape defeat.
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr did well to earn their spot in the play-offs. Ronaldo returns to action against Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League.
AFC Champions League: Al-Hilal defeats 10-man Mumbai City 2-0
The AFC Champions League came to the Indian subcontinent as Mumbai City took on Al-Hilal at the D Y Patil Stadium. Fans in the country were buzzing at the prospect of Neymar Jr.’s arrival. However, an unexpected injury meant that the Brazilian would miss the game against the 2021 ISL champions. However, the game did not disappoint as the Saudi club tackled Mumbai on their home turf.
The four-time AFC Champions League winners started the game strong against their Indian opponents. Mumbai City defended well against Al-Hilal up until the hour mark. Mehtab Singh, a Mumbai City defender saw red in the 54th minute after he was shown a second yellow for his actions. Subsequently, the visitors took the lead through Michael’s glancing header at 62 minutes
The game ended 2-0, thanks to an Aleksandar Mitrović goal late in the 85th minute. His leaping header helped the Saudi club clinch their fourth consecutive victory in the group stages and stay unbeaten in the AFC Cup. Al-Hilal have secured qualification while Mumbai City are yet to pick up a point.
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Sherwin Shaju
(1306 Articles Published)