Al-Hilal Triumphs in Nine-Goal Thriller to Remain Unbeaten

Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ain 5-4 in a thrilling Asian Champions League Elite match. Salem Al-Dawsari's hat-trick overshadowed Neymar's return. Al-Hilal remains unbeaten after three rounds, leading the standings. Al-Ain yet to win under the new competition format, where top finishers advance.

In a thrilling encounter, Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal emerged victorious over defending champions Al-Ain with a 5-4 scoreline in the Asian Champions League Elite. The match on Monday saw Salem Al-Dawsari clinch a hat-trick, eclipsing Neymar's much-anticipated return to the field after a prolonged injury.

Neymar made a 77th-minute comeback following a severe cruciate ligament rupture in October last year. His team, Al-Hilal, managed to hold the lead despite being down to 10 men, marking a significant turnaround from last season's semi-final defeat to Al-Ain. Their triumph keeps them perched at the top of the west Asia league standings, tied with fellow Saudi side Al-Ahli.

The spectacle at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium featured dramatic twists, including red cards and penalty drama. Soufiane Rahimi matched Al-Dawsari's three-goal feat for Al-Ain, but Al-Hilal's resilience secured a perfect start with three consecutive wins, setting the stage for the knockout rounds in the revamped competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)