RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – October 22, 2025 – Al-Hilal SFC secured their place as the team to beat in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday night, delivering a powerful 3-1 victory over Qatari side Al-Sadd SC at the Kingdom Arena. The win not only extended Al-Hilal’s perfect run to three consecutive group stage victories but also cemented their position atop Group B with an unblemished record.
The Saudi giants, managed by Simone Inzaghi, quickly set the pace, showcasing their strength in aerial and set-piece play. The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Turkish international defender Yusuf Akcicek capitalized on a defensive scramble from a Theo Hernandez free-kick to poke home the opener.
The momentum continued when center-back partner Kalidou Koulibaly doubled the lead just before halftime, rising majestically to head in a precise corner kick from Rúben Neves in the 40th minute. Despite a lengthy VAR check for a potential foul, the goal was upheld, putting Al-Hilal firmly in control at the break.
Al-Sadd showed resilience in the second half. They managed to claw a goal back in the 64th minute when former Al-Ahli captain Roberto Firmino neatly tapped in a low cross from Pedro Miguel, injecting tension into the match.
However, any hopes of a Qatari comeback were dashed nine minutes from time by a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić stepped up and curled a breathtaking free-kick from over 30 yards out, leaving Al-Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Bersham with no chance. The 81st-minute strike sealed the 3-1 win, reaffirming Al-Hilal’s two-goal cushion and their perfect start to the continental campaign.
Al-Hilal now boasts an impressive nine points and a +8 goal difference (9 goals scored, 1 conceded) after three matches. Conversely, Al-Sadd’s struggle for a first win continues, as they remain on two points from three matches after two draws and this defeat.
