Al-Hilal produced a commanding performance to overturn a first-leg deficit and defeat Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 4-0 at the Kingdom Arena on Tuesday, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory and a place in the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals. The four-time Asian champions, seeking a record-extending fifth continental title, responded emphatically to their 1-0 defeat in the first leg.
Pakhtakor fielded the same lineup that secured victory in the first leg. Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus, however, made key adjustments, pairing Mohamed Kanno with Rúben Neves in midfield and handing Hamad Al-Yami a start in defense.
Al-Hilal dominated from the outset, with Kanno, Neves, and Malcom applying early pressure on Pakhtakor goalkeeper Jhonatan. Despite their control, the hosts had to wait until the 31st minute for the breakthrough. Salem Al-Dawsari won possession high up the pitch and found Kanno, whose precise cross was met by Al-Yami with a diving header at the far post.
Al-Hilal almost doubled their lead four minutes later, but Jhonatan produced a brilliant save to deny Moteb Al-Harbi’s header. However, the second goal arrived in the 42nd minute. Kanno surged through the Pakhtakor midfield and played a perfectly weighted through ball to Malcom, who finished coolly into the bottom right corner.
Pakhtakor briefly threatened just before halftime, with Khojiakbar Alijonov setting up Flamarion, but Yassine Bounou made an acrobatic save.
Al-Hilal continued their dominance in the second half. In the 51st minute, Salem Al-Dawsari won and converted a penalty, sending Jhonatan the wrong way to make it 3-0 on the night.
The hosts continued to create chances. Kaio César set up Al-Dawsari in the 70th minute, but Jhonatan saved. Marcos Leonardo then had a close-range finish ruled out for offside.
Nasser Al-Dawsari completed the scoring in stoppage time, latching onto an Abdullah Al-Hamdan assist to seal a resounding 4-0 victory. The comprehensive win demonstrates Al-Hilal’s attacking power and their determination to reclaim the Asian Champions League title.
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