Al-Hilal’s sensational 5-4 win away at defending Champions League winners Al-Ain saw Neymar make his long-awaited return to action. The Brazilian ace last played 369 days ago when Brazil lost to Uruguay. He featured in the last 15 minutes of the end-to-end action between Western Asia’s two finest clubs.
Goals galore in Neymar’s return
Just when Neymar prepared to enter the scene, Salem Al-Dosari completed his hat trick with a fine finish. That was the game’s eighth goal as Al-Hilal regained their two-goal lead to maintain their perfect Champions League start.
Another drama followed soon after his entrance. Ali Al-Bulayhi, who made a name for taunting opponents, saw a red card after a lengthy VAR review. Moments later, Khalid Eisa’s fingertip prevented a fairytale strike from Neymar. The sharp movements we’ve seen in recent training footage were finally repeated on the playing field.
Later in the game, last season’s top-scorer Soufiane Rahimi also completed his hat-trick in a highly memorable encounter. Al-Ain was the only team to beat Al-Hilal last season as Hernan Crespo’s side won the semi-final clash 5-4 on aggregate.
The two-time winners are currently top of the Champions League after three rounds. They also collected the maximum number of points in the league from the first seven matches.
Al-Ain only has a single point after losing back-to-back games. AFC developed a similar format to the one UEFA applied in their competitions this season.
Al-Hilal coped admirably before Neymar made his return
The AFC Champions League was also the stage where Neymar last played for Al-Hilal before the serious injury he suffered during the international break. At Iran’s Azadi Sport Complex, Neymar scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Esteghlal.
To everyone’s surprise, without their most expensive signing, Al-Hilal only dropped league points against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in a year. And they will…
Author : Eskender Tamrat
Publish date : 2024-10-21 20:18:10
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
The post Neymar makes long-awaited return in a fiery encounter first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
—-
Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2024-10-21 21:09:50
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.