Al Hilal opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a 2-1 victory over Al Duhail, thanks to second-half goals from Darwin Núñez and Theo Hernández. The win not only lifted spirits after a shaky domestic start in the Saudi Pro League but also underlined the club’s attacking depth in continental competition. For super-sub Núñez, the night was particularly special as he netted his first-ever goal in the AFC Champions League, adding to the goal he scored in his Saudi Pro League debut last week.The match was tightly contested, with Al Duhail taking the lead before halftime through Adil Boulbina. But Hilal, roared on by their home crowd, turned things around in the second half with quickfire goals in the 57th and 67th minutes.
Al Hilal’s new star signings pay off, helping the Saudi Pro League side with an epic second-half comeback
Al Duhail, currently sitting fifth in the Qatar Stars League, showed their quality early on. In the 37th minute, Youssouf Sabaly surged forward on a fast break and set up Adil Boulbina, who finished calmly to put the visitors 1-0 up. Hilal struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou looking unsettled and the attack failing to convert possession into chances.The turnaround came after halftime. Coach Jorge Jesus made crucial adjustments, including introducing Darwin Núñez, who immediately made an impact. Just 12 minutes after the restart, Hamad Al Yami delivered a perfect pass into the box, and the Uruguayan striker struck a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, leveling the score. It was the ex-Liverpool player’s second goal in as many games for Al Hilal, underlining his quick adaptation to life in Riyadh.The momentum carried forward, and ten minutes later, another fresh signing, Theo Hernández, produced a moment of brilliance. Currently considered to be one of the best left-backs in the world, the Frenchman fired a left-footed strike from outside the box that nestled into the bottom corner. This goal completed the thriller comeback, sealing the win for Hilal.Al Hilal, currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League, will hope this victory provides a boost as they look to climb domestically while also maintaining strong progress in Asia. For Al Duhail, who remain competitive in Qatar’s top flight, the defeat was a reminder of the fine margins at this level.The night, however, belonged to the super-sub Núñez. Scoring in back-to-back matches, including his continental debut, he has already become a key figure in Al Hilal’s frontline. Alongside the likes of Malcom
Key Moments Timestamps
- 37’ – Goal (0-1): Adil Boulbina puts Al Duhail ahead after Youssouf Sabaly’s fast break and assist.
- Halftime: Al Hilal trail, struggling to break down Al Duhail’s defense.
- 46’ – Substitution: Darwin Núñez comes on, instantly adding energy to Hilal’s attack.
- 57’ – Goal (1-1): Núñez scores his debut AFC Champions League goal, smashing home Hamad Al Yami’s cross.
- 67’ – Goal (2-1): Theo Hernández scores a spectacular long-range strike to complete the comeback.
- 82’ – Tactical change: Jorge Jesus brings on fresh legs to defend the lead.
- 90’+3 – Full-time: Al Hilal seal a 2-1 win in their AFC Champions League Elite opener.
