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Al Hilal Reclaims Top Spot in AFC Champions League Elite with 4-1 Win Over Persepolis
Brazilian midfielder Malcom leads Al Hilal to a dominant 4-1 victory, putting them ahead of Al Ahli Saudi FC in the AFC Champions League West Zone.
Al Hilal secured a commanding 4-1 win over Persepolis FC on Tuesday, reclaiming the top spot in the West Zone of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25. The victory, which came in their penultimate League Stage match, was highlighted by a standout performance from Brazilian midfielder Malcom, who scored once and provided two assists.
The result allowed Al Hilal to move ahead of Al Ahli Saudi FC on goal difference.
Persepolis, despite a strong start, were unable to capitalize on early pressure and found themselves trailing from the 10th minute when Malcom scored a brilliant individual goal.
Al Hilal doubled their lead in the 25th minute, as Joao Cancelo found the net after a pass from Malcom.
Malcom continued his playmaking form in the 39th minute, setting up Salem Al Dawsari, who scored after rounding the Persepolis goalkeeper.
In added time before halftime, Al Dawsari added another long-range strike, assisted by Cancelo, to give Al Hilal a commanding 4-0 lead.
Persepolis made three substitutions in the second half to bolster their attack, and their efforts paid off in the 90th minute when Giorgio Gvelesiani converted a penalty after Isa Alkasir was fouled by Ali Al Bulayhi.
The match ended 4-1 in favor of Al Hilal, who will play their final League Stage match against Al Wasl FC of the United Arab Emirates.
Persepolis, now outside the top eight, still have a chance to progress to the knockout stage when they face Al Nassr Club in their final match.
The result allowed Al Hilal to move ahead of Al Ahli Saudi FC on goal difference.
Persepolis, despite a strong start, were unable to capitalize on early pressure and found themselves trailing from the 10th minute when Malcom scored a brilliant individual goal.
Al Hilal doubled their lead in the 25th minute, as Joao Cancelo found the net after a pass from Malcom.
Malcom continued his playmaking form in the 39th minute, setting up Salem Al Dawsari, who scored after rounding the Persepolis goalkeeper.
In added time before halftime, Al Dawsari added another long-range strike, assisted by Cancelo, to give Al Hilal a commanding 4-0 lead.
Persepolis made three substitutions in the second half to bolster their attack, and their efforts paid off in the 90th minute when Giorgio Gvelesiani converted a penalty after Isa Alkasir was fouled by Ali Al Bulayhi.
The match ended 4-1 in favor of Al Hilal, who will play their final League Stage match against Al Wasl FC of the United Arab Emirates.
Persepolis, now outside the top eight, still have a chance to progress to the knockout stage when they face Al Nassr Club in their final match.
