Al Sadd's Paulo Otavio (left) celebrates after scoring the equaliser.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Al Sadd staged a spirited comeback to earn a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal extending their unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League Elite yesterday.
In front of a vibrant crowd at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Sadd fell behind early when Ali Al Bulayhi tapped in a close-range effort in the 10th minute, capitalising on Mohamed Kanno’s headed pass from a corner. Substitute Paulo Otavio salvaged a point for the hosts netting the equaliser in the 71st minute – just four minutes after entering the fray.
The result ended Al Hilal’s four-match winning streak in the competition, however, the Saudi giants advanced to the knockout stage along with Al Nassr. They now sit second in the 12-team West Zone standings with 13 points leveled with Al Nassr and two behind leaders Al Ahli Saudi FC. Felix Sanchez-coached Al Sadd, with 10 points, occupy fifth place.
"We faced one of Asia's best and the match was difficult but we managed to fight back. The players remained focused and I am satisfied with their performance in the competition so far," said Sanchez.
Otavio said: "I am happy to score the equaliser in the tough match. Playing for Al Sadd is a responsibility and every player must perform at his best to help the team."
Jorge Jesus’ Al Hilal dominated early proceedings with Aleksandar Mitrovic and captain Salem Al Dawsari testing Al Sadd’s defence. Al Bulayhi’s opener gave the visitors control as they exploited their early pressure.
Al Sadd’s first notable attempt came in the 36th minute when Youcef Atal’s effort was comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Al Sadd keeper Meshaal Barsham was kept busy making a crucial save to deny Marcos Leonardo’s powerful long-range strike.
Al Hilal ended the first half on the front foot earning seven corners compared to none for Al Sadd.
But the hosts emerged stronger after the break, gaining momentum as they searched for an equaliser. Captain Akram Afif nearly leveled with a powerful strike from outside the box only to be denied by a diving save from Bounou.
Al Hilal had a golden opportunity to double their lead shortly after the hour-mark but Mitrovic squandered it, blasting over from a prime position following Nasser Al Dawsari’s pinpoint cross.
Sanchez’s triple substitution – introducing Otavio, Adam Ounas, and Giovani – proved pivotal. Ounas came close with a header into Bounou’s hands but Otavio delivered moments later, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner from close range.
With the equaliser in hand, Al Sadd ramped up their offensive efforts.
Mohamed Camara’s shot was blocked and Tarek Salman struck the crossbar after an assist from Giovani, nearly giving the hosts a lead.
Al Hilal fought back in the final minutes regaining control and pressing for a winner. VAR denied their penalty appeals twice and despite sustained pressure during 10 minutes of stoppage time, the scores remained level.
Al Sadd will travel to Riyadh for their next match against Al Nassr on December 2 while Al Hilal will host Al Gharafa a day later.
