Al-Hilal wrapped up their AFC Champions League Elite group campaign with a 2-1 triumph at home against Al-Wahda from Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Al-Hilal wrapped up their AFC Champions League Elite group campaign with a 2-1 triumph at home against Al-Wahda from Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The Saudi side concluded the West Region standings at the summit, collecting 22 points from eight matches in the 12-team table. They finished five points ahead of nearest challengers Al-Ahli, their Saudi Pro League counterparts.
Both teams have advanced to the Round of 16, with the knockout ties scheduled to be played over two legs early next month.
Darwin Nunez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, powering in a header from a delivery by Reuben Neves to put the hosts in front.
Al-Wahda responded in 32 minutes when Brahim Diarra found the net, ensuring the sides went into halftime level.
Although the top spot had already been secured regardless of the outcome, coach Simone Inzaghi demonstrated his intent to finish strongly, introducing four changes during the second half as his team sought a winning goal.
For extended periods after the interval, Al-Hilal found it difficult to dismantle the resistance of their UAE opponents.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute. Substitute Sultan Mandash sent in a low cross, which Nunez converted from close range to complete his double and clinch the result.
