In a dramatic encounter at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al Sadd eliminated Al Hilal from the AFC Champions League after a thrilling 3-3 draw that culminated in a penalty shootout on April 13, 2026.
The match showcased an attacking pace from both sides, with Al Hilal initially taking the lead when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic 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 through Salem Al-Dawsari in the 55th minute, but Al Sadd’s Rafa Mojica struck back to level the score at 2-2 just three minutes later.
In a back-and-forth battle, Al Hilal took the lead again with a goal from Marcus Leonardo in the 67th minute. Yet, Al Sadd’s Roberto Firmino ensured the match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, scoring the equalizer that forced extra time.
The penalty shootout ultimately decided the fate of both teams, with Al Sadd emerging victorious to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also marked a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Sadd, two of the most prominent clubs in the region.
With this victory, Al Sadd continues their pursuit of the AFC Champions League title, while Al Hilal will need to regroup and focus on future competitions.
As fans reflect on this thrilling encounter, the excitement surrounding the AFC Champions League continues to grow, with observers eager to see how Al Sadd will perform in the next round.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next matchups and potential changes in team lineups as the tournament progresses.
