Jobaaj Stories
Al-Hilal Dominates Pakhtakor in AFC Champions League Thriller
Al-Hilal's stunning comeback victory against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 round of 16 is a testament to their unwavering power in Asian football. Overcoming a 1-0 first-leg deficit, the Saudi giants delivered a commanding 4-0 win at the Kingdom Arena on March 11, 2025.
A Dominant Display from Al-Hilal
From the outset, Al-Hilal displayed their intent, relentlessly pressuring Pakhtakor's defense. Hamad Al-Yami opened the scoring with a diving header in the 31st minute, expertly set up by Mohamed Kanno. Malcom doubled the lead before halftime with a cool finish, showcasing the team's attacking prowess. Salem Al-Dawsari added a penalty in the second half, before Nasser Al-Dawsari sealed the 4-0 victory late in stoppage time. Al-Hilal’s dominance was evident in their possession (65%), shots (20), and passing accuracy (87%).
Pakhtakor's Fight and Future Outlook
Despite the loss, Pakhtakor, who had secured a surprising 1-0 win in the first leg, showed moments of resilience. Flamarion provided a threat to Al-Hilal’s defense, though ultimately their efforts were thwarted by Yassine Bounou's impressive goalkeeping. Pakhtakor coach Pedro Moreira acknowledged Al-Hilal's strength and highlighted the learning experience for his developing team. He emphasized the need to build on this experience for future competitions.
Looking Ahead
Al-Hilal's triumph propels them into the AFC Champions League quarterfinals, where they'll face another tough challenge. Their focus now shifts to maintaining their strong position in the Saudi Pro League, currently sitting second with 54 points. This victory underscores Al-Hilal’s status as a dominant force in Asian football, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the AFC Champions League.
