**Al Hilal Vs Esteghlal: Mitrovic Hattrick, Neymar Cedera**

Sherly

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Post on Nov 05, 2024

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Al Hilal Dominates Esteghlal with Mitrovic Hattrick, Neymar Injury Casts Shadow

The highly anticipated clash between Saudi giants Al Hilal and Iranian powerhouse Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League lived up to the hype, delivering a thrilling encounter filled with goals, drama, and a bittersweet victory for the Saudi side. Al Hilal emerged triumphant with a resounding 4-1 win, powered by a stunning hat-trick from Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, the celebrations were tempered by the concerning injury sustained by Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Mitrovic Shines as Al Hilal Overwhelms Esteghlal

Mitrovic, the recent addition to the Al Hilal squad, wasted no time in making his mark on the competition. He opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical finish from close range, showcasing his predatory instincts in the box. He doubled his tally just before halftime, expertly heading home a pinpoint cross from Salem Al-Dawsari.

The second half saw Mitrovic complete his hat-trick, expertly controlling a long ball from Koulibaly and unleashing a powerful shot that left the Esteghlal goalkeeper with no chance. Al Hilal continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Salem Al-Dawsari adding a fourth goal to seal the victory.

Neymar's Injury Dims the Celebrations

Despite the convincing win, a sense of worry lingered in the air as Neymar, Al Hilal's marquee signing, was forced off the pitch in the first half with a suspected hamstring injury. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but the Brazilian star's absence could significantly impact Al Hilal's campaign going forward.

Al Hilal's Dominant Start, Esteghlal's Disappointment

Al Hilal’s commanding performance in the match underscored their ambition to conquer the AFC Champions League this season. Their potent attacking line, now boasting the likes of Neymar and Mitrovic, has the potential to cause havoc to any opponent.

Esteghlal, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and ultimately succumbed to the relentless pressure exerted by Al Hilal. The Iranian team will need to regroup and find their form quickly if they are to remain competitive in the tournament.

Looking Ahead

The victory against Esteghlal has propelled Al Hilal to the top of their group in the AFC Champions League. The club’s ambitions will remain sky-high, but the injury to Neymar has cast a shadow over the celebrations. The next few weeks will be crucial for Al Hilal as they assess the severity of Neymar’s injury and look to maintain their strong start to the tournament.