In a dramatic AFC Champions League encounter, Al Hilal and Al Sadd ended in a 3-3 draw, with Al Sadd advancing after a penalty shootout.
In a thrilling AFC Champions League match on April 13, 2026, Al Hilal and Al Sadd battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Al Sadd ultimately advanced to the quarter-finals after winning a tense penalty shootout.
The match showcased an attacking pace from both sides, with Al Hilal initially taking the lead. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving Al Hilal a promising start. However, Al Sadd responded quickly, with Claudinho equalizing just eight minutes later in the 37th minute.
Al Hilal regained the lead in the second half when Salem Al-Dawsari scored in the 55th minute. Yet, Al Sadd was relentless, and Rafa Mojica equalized again in the 58th minute. The back-and-forth continued, with Marcus Leonardo scoring for Al Hilal in the 67th minute, only for Roberto Firmino to level the match at 3-3, ensuring the game would go to penalties.
The penalty shootout proved decisive, with Al Sadd eliminating Al Hilal and securing their place in the next round of the tournament. This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased the talents of players like Karim Benzema and Firmino, who played pivotal roles throughout the match.
Al Hilal’s exit marks a significant moment in the tournament, as they were considered strong contenders. Observers will be keen to see how Al Sadd performs in the upcoming quarter-finals, as they look to build on this dramatic victory.
