AFC Champions League Elite: Al-Hilal Saudi Starts Campaign with Win Against Al-Gharafa
Al-Hilal Saudi defeated Al-Gharafa Qatar 2-1 in the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Riyadh, September 15 (KUNA) -- Saudi club Al Hilal began their campaign in the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite with a 2-1 victory over Qatari visitors Al Gharafa in their Group West opener on Tuesday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves opened the scoring for Al Hilal from a penalty kick in the third minute of first-half stoppage time before Serbian striker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic doubled the lead in the 73rd minute. Al Gharafa reduced the deficit through player Alaaeddine Hassan in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, but Al Hilal held on to secure the win until the final whistle.
The match saw a double sending-off in the 33rd minute when the referee showed red cards to Al Hilal’s Dutch player Cresencio Samerville and Al Gharafa’s Algerian player Ismail Ben Nasir following a confrontation, leaving both teams to finish the match with ten players.
With this result, Al Hilal claimed their first three points in the AFC Champions League Elite, while Al Gharafa remain without any points. (End)
