Al Hilal returned to winning ways in the AFC Champions League Elite with a 2-0 victory over Shabab Al Ahli, who suffered their first defeat of this season’s competition.
The Saudi side secured all three points at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Tuesday in the fourth round of the league phase, recovering from their unexpected 3-1 loss to Qatar’s Al Shamal in the previous round.
Ollie Watkins gave Al Hilal the lead after only six minutes. The England striker collected a pass from Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly before finishing into the net.
Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi was then forced into two changes before the half-hour mark, although neither substitution was initially linked to a clear injury.
The first came in the 28th minute, when right-back Mohammed Mahzari replaced his fellow countryman Sabri Dahl. Six minutes later, Inzaghi sent on Nasser Al-Dawsari for France’s Simon Bouabre, who was hurt while carrying the ball through midfield.
Despite those setbacks, Al Hilal maintained control and doubled their advantage in the opening minute of the second half. Watkins completed his brace by turning a cross from Turkey defender Yusuf Akcicek into the net.
The result lifted Al Hilal to nine points and second place in the West region standings, three points behind leaders Al Ain, who have 12 points.
Shabab Al Ahli also began the match with nine points, but their unbeaten record ended in Riyadh. They remain fourth in the West region after the defeat.
The victory represented a return to form for Al Hilal in Asia after their setback against Al Shamal, while Shabab Al Ahli were unable to extend their perfect start to the current campaign.
