Al-Hilal they added another victory to their impressive start to the season, but the 3-0 defeat against Iran’s Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League left the Saudi side extremely worried, since then. Neymar left injured half an hour after entering.
Neymar could barely play half an hour in the AFC Champions League. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
The Brazilian star, who returned on October 21 after more than a year out with a serious knee injury, came on in the 58th minute to replace Abdullah Al-Hamdam, and his team won 2-0 double for him Aleksandar Mitrovic.
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And although he had a busy time on the pitch, wearing a big hat, arguing with an opponent and getting a hard foul, he had to leave at 87′, when He received a pass in the opponent’s field and when looking for the ball he felt muscle discomfort. Neymar immediately grabbed his right leg (around the hamstrings) and left the field under his own power.replacing Mohammed Al-Qahtani.
Some time before, Mitrovic had completed his hat-trick, putting decisive figures on the scoreboard (3-0) so that Jorge Jesus’ Al-Hilal could continue their perfect pace in the continental competition.
So far this season, Al-Hilal are still unbeaten after 15 matches, including winning the local Super Cup, where they beat Al-Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo in the final.
Neymar was not included in the Brazil squad for the next date of the Qualifiers, and coach Dorival Júnior has indicated that they are aiming to return to Verdeamarela in 2025.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into the world of football, particularly the recent performance of Al-Hilal, one of the giants in Saudi football. Joining us is renowned football analyst, Dr. Amir Rashid. Welcome, Dr. Rashid!
Dr. Rashid: Thank you for having me! It’s always great to discuss such a captivating sport, especially given the current dynamics in Asian football.
Editor: Al-Hilal has had an impressive start to their season, but the recent 3-0 defeat against Iran’s Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League has raised concerns. What are your thoughts on that match?
Dr. Rashid: Absolutely, that match was pivotal. It highlighted some of Al-Hilal’s vulnerabilities, despite their strong league performances. Esteghlal capitalized on their weaknesses, particularly in defense and transition play. Al-Hilal’s management must analyze this carefully as they head deeper into the tournament.
Editor: Interesting points! Do you think this defeat will affect their confidence moving forward?
Dr. Rashid: It can go both ways. On one hand, a setback like that can shake a team’s confidence, especially when they’ve been performing well domestically. On the other hand, it could serve as a wakeup call. If they address the issues and come back stronger, it might even unify the squad around a common goal.
Editor: You mentioned vulnerabilities in defense. What specific tactical changes do you think Al-Hilal needs to implement to avoid similar fates in the future?
Dr. Rashid: They need to bolster their defensive coordination, particularly during counter-attacks. Incorporating a more disciplined midfield will also help in shielding the backline. Additionally, utilizing wing-backs effectively can provide both defensive support and attacking width, which is crucial against teams that excel in pressing.
Editor: Speaking of tactics, how important is this competition for Al-Hilal compared to their domestic league?
Dr. Rashid: The AFC Champions League is extraordinarily important for Al-Hilal, both in terms of prestige and financial incentives. Success in this tournament not only enhances their reputation on the Asian stage but also attracts global attention that can be beneficial for player recruitment and sponsorships.
Editor: That’s a valuable perspective! With Al-Hilal being such a pivotal team in Asian football, how do you think they plan to strategize for their next matches following this defeat?
Dr. Rashid: I expect them to conduct a thorough review of their game against Esteghlal. They’ll likely focus on mental resilience and tactics in training, possibly introducing more competitive drills to boost intensity. Moreover, they’ll need to analyze their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses to devise a more effective game plan in upcoming matches.
Editor: All excellent insights, Dr. Rashid. As we wrap up, what do you think the fans can expect from Al-Hilal in the coming weeks?
Dr. Rashid: Fans should brace themselves for a response. Al-Hilal has a history of bouncing back, and many supporters will be hoping to see that fighting spirit. Resilience and determination are hallmarks of successful teams, and I believe Al-Hilal is capable of showing them.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Amir Rashid, for sharing your expertise with us today. It will be fascinating to see how Al-Hilal navigates the challenges ahead!
Dr. Rashid: Thank you for having me! Football is always full of surprises, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
