Al Hilal SFC preserved their perfect campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ by edging Sharjah FC 1-0 on Monday, with Simone Inzaghi’s halftime instructions proving decisive.
Al Hilal SFC preserved their perfect campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ by edging Sharjah FC 1-0 on Monday, with Simone Inzaghi’s halftime instructions proving decisive.
The encounter remained evenly balanced before the interval, with both teams struggling to find a clear opening despite a competitive tempo and disciplined defending.
After the pause, the Saudi Pro League leaders returned with renewed intent, pressing higher and committing more numbers forward as they searched for a breakthrough.
That decisive moment arrived late on when Joao Cancelo surged into the penalty area and supplied Malcom, whose powerful strike flew into the top right corner in the 81st minute.
The narrow victory extended Al Hilal’s flawless run to six wins from six matches, leaving them four points clear at the summit and already assured of a Round of 16 berth with games in hand.
Inzaghi expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the team’s display following a lengthy preparation period leading into the match.
He acknowledged that numerous opportunities were created before the goal arrived, underlining his belief that the scoreline could have been settled earlier.
The Italian coach also revealed that the contest was approached under challenging conditions, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic unable to feature due to a minor issue that emerged close to kickoff.
With several squad members unavailable and a demanding schedule ahead, Inzaghi called on his players to make sacrifices, particularly in the second half, to maintain momentum.
He noted that the win marked a 14th straight success in all competitions and stressed the ongoing objective of enhancing performance across every position on the pitch.
The defeat left Sharjah FC on seven points with two fixtures still to play, but head coach Jose Morais remained confident in his side’s determination.
Morais commended his players for their commitment and acknowledged Al Hilal’s ability to seize a key opportunity when it mattered most.
He also pointed to the vibrant atmosphere inside the stadium, crediting the supporters for providing strong backing throughout an entertaining contest.
With six points still available, the Portuguese coach emphasized that preparation and effort would be crucial as Sharjah continues their pursuit of a place in the knockout stage.
Sharjah are scheduled to meet Al Duhail SC of Qatar and Uzbekistan’s PFC Nasaf when competition resumes in May, while Al Hilal will target a flawless league stage against Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wahda FC of the UAE.
