In a dramatic encounter at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Al Sadd eliminated Al Hilal from the AFC Champions League on April 13, 2026, after a thrilling 3-3 draw that culminated in a penalty shootout.
The match showcased an attacking pace from both sides, with Al Hilal initially taking the lead when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored in the 29th minute. However, Al Sadd responded quickly, with Claudinho equalizing just eight minutes later in the 37th minute.
Al Hilal regained the lead in the second half through Salem Al-Dawsari, who found the net in the 55th minute. Yet, Al Sadd was relentless, and Rafa Mojica leveled the score again in the 58th minute.
As the match progressed, Marcus Leonardo put Al Hilal ahead once more in the 67th minute, but Al Sadd’s Roberto Firmino struck back, ensuring the match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The penalty shootout ultimately decided the fate of the two teams, with Al Sadd emerging victorious and securing their place in the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament.
This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both clubs but also marked a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Sadd, two of the most prominent teams in Asian football.
As observers reflect on this intense encounter, the focus now shifts to the next stages of the AFC Champions League, where Al Sadd will look to build on this momentum.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this match on the future strategies of both teams as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
