Getting closer to making history! Jorge Jesus’ Al Hilal beat Al Ittihad, 2-0, this Tuesday, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, and achieved their 26th consecutive victory, which leaves the Saudi team to just one victory away from equaling the feat of the Welsh New Saints, who in 2016 managed to add 27 consecutive victories. The long-awaited moment could happen on March 8, during the trip to Al Riyadh, counting for the 23rd round of the Saudi League.
Today’s match was decided in the final minutes of the first half, with goals from Mitrovic (40′, from a penalty) and Al Dawsari (42′). The Serbian striker was decisive in returning to the team, after being left out, due to punishment, of the duel with Al Ittihad for the championship, last Friday.
In the second half, everything got complicated for Marcelo Gallardo’s Al Ittihad, who saw N’Golo Kanté sent off with a straight red card in the 66th minute.
Rúben Neves, the only Portuguese present on the game sheet, started for Al Hilal and played every minute on the field.
Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, who had faced each other last Friday in the championship, will meet again next Tuesday, the 12th, in the second leg of the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League.