Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 3 times on Monday as Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal beat Iranian facet Esteghlal within the AFC Champions Elite to take care of their one hundred pc begin to the competitors. Brazil star Neymar got here on as a second-half substitute however was then changed. It was the previous Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s second look in two weeks following virtually one yr out after rupturing ligaments in his left knee. Neymar, 32, got here on after 58 minutes at Kingdom Arena with Al Hilal already 2-0 up because of a first-half double from Serbia striker Mitrovic.
However, Brazil’s all-time main scorer appeared to have an issue along with his thigh and, minutes after receiving remedy on the sidelines, was substituted on 86 minutes.
He left the pitch clutching his proper hamstring.
The win places Saudi title-holders Al Hilal, report four-time continental champions, high of the standings for West Asia, with 4 victories from 4.
Also on Monday, fellow Saudi facet Al Ahli ensured they’d hold tempo with their Riyadh rivals. Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez each scored twice in a 5-1 win over Al Shorta of Iraq to take the staff to 12 factors from a potential 12.
Former Liverpool star Firmino opened the scoring at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on 14 minutes with a glancing header from Ziyad Al Johani’s cross.
The purpose ended the Brazilian’s eight-match goalless streak.
Al Ahli had the prospect to go 2-0 up 11 minutes later, however Franck Kessie’s penalty was saved by Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. Almost immediately, the guests equalised by way of Sajjad Jassim.
Firmino put the hosts again in entrance deep into first-half injury-time. Al Ahli then scored 3 times in 12 second-half minutes to blow away Al Shorta.
First, Firmino teed up Saudi Arabia worldwide Feras Al Buraikan, earlier than former Manchester City winger Mahrez struck twice in fast succession simply after the hour.
Elsewhere, UAE facet Al Wasl have been held to a 1-1 draw at house by Al Sadd of Qatar, whereas Iran’s Persepolis and Qatar’s Al Gharafa performed out the identical scoreline additionally in Dubai.
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