Neymar on Tuesday netted his inaugural aim following his high-profile switch to Saudi Arabia, contributing to Al-Hilal’s 3-0 victory over Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran within the Asian Champions League group stage at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
The Brazilian, who moved to the Saudi Pro League aspect from Paris Saint Germain in the summertime for 90 million euros ($94.23 million), was heading in the right direction in an incident-filled conflict that noticed each groups lowered to 10 males with seven minutes remaining within the first half.
Aleksandar Mitrovic had headed the Saudi outfit in entrance within the 18th minute earlier than referee Ma Ning despatched off Al-Hilal’s Salman Al Faraj and Nassaji’s Amir Houshmand after consulting the pitch-side monitor following an on-field melee.
Neymar doubled Al-Hilal’s lead with a wonderfully timed left-foot strike within the 58th minute and substitute Saleh Al Shehri put the seal on a snug win in harm time.
The victory was Al-Hilal’s first within the group section of the continental competitors this season after the four-time champions began their marketing campaign with a draw in opposition to Navbahor final month.
The Uzbek aspect backed up that outcome with a 3-0 win over Mumbai City on Tuesday to hitch Al-Hilal on prime of Group D with 4 factors after targets from Jamshid Iskanderov, Jasurbek Yakhshiboev and Doniyor Abdumannopov secured victory.
Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates moved into sole possession of the highest spot in Group A with a 4-2 win over Turkmenistan’s Ahal as Uzbek outfit Pakhtakor slipped to a 2-0 loss in opposition to Al Fayha from Saudi Arabia.
Al Ain backed up their opening spherical win over Pakhtakor with a formidable attacking efficiency in entrance of their very own followers as Brazilian midfielder Erik put the previous champions forward within the fourth minute with a scientific end.
Soufiane Rahimi and Kodjo Laba ensured Al Ain had a three-goal lead on the break and, whereas Elman Tagayew pulled one again within the 58th minute, Kouame Kouadio netted a fourth for the hosts that meant Dayanch Meredow’s late strike was solely a comfort.
Al Ain now have a three-point cushion over Ahal and Al Fayha, who had a aim in every half from Abdelhamid Sabiri to thank for his or her 2-0 win at residence over Pakhtakor.
The winners in every of the ten four-team teams are assured to progress to the final 16, with the remaining locations crammed by the three groups from the east and west of the continent with one of the best runners-up data.
Source: www.dailysabah.com