Jobaaj Stories
Al Hilal Crushes Gwangju 7-0 in AFC Champions League Thriller
Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia emphatically asserted their dominance in the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals, dismantling South Korea's Gwangju FC with a resounding 7-0 victory. The match, played at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, showcased a stark difference in quality between the Saudi Pro League champions and their K-League opponents. This article delves into the key moments of the game, Al-Dawsari's stellar performance, and the post-match controversy.
A Masterclass in Attacking Football
From the opening whistle, Al Hilal controlled the game. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's early header set the tone, followed by goals from Marcos Leonardo and Salem Al-Dawsari before halftime, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. The second half witnessed no respite for Gwangju, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, Nasser Al-Dawsari, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan all adding their names to the scoresheet, culminating in a comprehensive 7-0 victory. The sheer attacking prowess on display highlighted Al Hilal's ambition to secure a record-extending fifth AFC Champions League title.
Al-Dawsari's Continued Excellence
Salem Al-Dawsari, the 2022 Asian Footballer of the Year, was instrumental in Al Hilal's success. His goal and assist demonstrated his class, bringing his tournament tally to nine goals – placing him joint-top scorer with Gwangju's Jasir Asani. His performance solidified his reputation as one of Asia's top players.
Post-Match Handshake Controversy
While the match itself was one-sided, a post-match incident involving Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus and Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo added an unexpected layer of drama. Jesus's perceived refusal to shake Lee's hand sparked controversy, though Lee himself downplayed the incident in a post-match interview. The exact reason behind the snub remains unclear, adding intrigue to an already memorable match.
Al Hilal's Road to the Semifinals
Al Hilal progresses to the semifinals, where they will face either fellow Saudi club Al Ahli or Thailand's Buriram United. Their dominant victory underscores the growing strength of Saudi Arabian football on the Asian stage, with Al Nassr and Al Ahli also making strong showings in the competition. The semi-final clash promises to be another captivating encounter.
