Aleksandar Mitrovic netted a hat-trick on Monday as Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal triumphed 3-0 over Iranian side Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League, maintaining their perfect start to the competition.
Neymar, making his second appearance in two weeks after nearly a year out due to a knee injury, came on as a second-half substitute. However, the Brazil star’s return was short-lived as he appeared to suffer a thigh issue and was substituted again in the 86th minute after receiving treatment on the sidelines.
He left the pitch clutching his right hamstring. Despite his early exit, Al Hilal had already secured a commanding lead with Mitrovic’s two first-half goals. The victory extended Al Hilal’s perfect run, placing them at the top of the West Asia standings with four wins from four matches.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli matched their Riyadh rivals with a 5-1 victory over Iraq’s Al Shorta, ensuring they remained perfect with a maximum 12 points. Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez each scored twice in the dominant win.
Firmino ended his eight-match goal drought by opening the scoring in the 14th minute with a glancing header from Ziyad Al Johani’s cross. Despite a missed penalty by Franck Kessie, Al Ahli regained the lead through Firmino before halftime.
In the second half, the team struck three more goals in quick succession, with Firmino assisting Feras Al Buraikan and Mahrez scoring twice shortly after the hour. In other fixtures, UAE’s Al Wasl were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Al Sadd from Qatar, while Persepolis from Iran and Qatar’s Al Gharafa also shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Dubai.