In a dramatic encounter on April 13, 2026, Al Sadd eliminated Al Hilal from the AFC Champions League, winning a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 3-3 draw at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The match showcased an attacking pace from both sides, with Al Hilal initially taking the lead through Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who scored in the 29th minute. However, Al Sadd responded quickly, with Claudinho equalizing just eight minutes later in the 37th minute.
Al Hilal regained the lead in the second half when Salem Al-Dawsari found the net in the 55th minute. Yet, Al Sadd was relentless, and Rafa Mojica leveled the score again in the 58th minute. Marcus Leonardo then put Al Hilal ahead for the third time in the 67th minute, but Roberto Firmino’s equalizer for Al Sadd ensured the match would go to penalties.
Ultimately, the penalty shootout decided the fate of the quarter-final qualification, with Al Sadd emerging victorious. This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also the high stakes of the AFC Champions League.
As observers reflect on the match, they note the remarkable performances from key players, including Karim Benzema and Firmino, who played pivotal roles in their teams’ strategies. The excitement of the game has left fans eager for future encounters between these two clubs.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this match for Al Hilal’s future in the tournament, but the defeat marks a significant moment in their campaign. Meanwhile, Al Sadd will look to build on this momentum as they advance in the competition.
