Al Hilal SFC’s head coach Jorge Jesus expressed the challenges his team faced despite their 3-1 victory over Al Rayyan SC in the AFC Champions League Elite opener. The four-time Asian champions managed to secure a comfortable lead of 3-0 at halftime, with goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Concelo, and Marcos Leonardo. However, Al Rayyan fought back in the second half with Roger Guedes scoring early on, forcing Al Hilal to stay focused and resilient.
Jesus acknowledged the quality of both teams, emphasizing the need for his players to capitalize on opportunities and maintain their focus throughout the match. Despite not being able to score in the second half, he highlighted the importance of scoring when it matters most. The victory at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium marked a perfect start to the season for Al Hilal, who have also won all four of their Saudi Pro League matches.
Looking ahead, Jesus emphasized the importance of staying focused and continuing to achieve victories in upcoming matches. He recognized the strength of their opponents and stressed the need for his team to maintain their winning momentum. Al Rayyan’s head coach Poya Asbaghi commended his team’s performance despite the loss, praising their fighting spirit and determination throughout the match.
Asbaghi expressed pride in the effort his players displayed and their ability to compete with a strong team like Al Hilal. Despite the defeat, he was encouraged by the team’s performance and believes they have room for improvement in future matches. Al Rayyan will face Al Nassr next, while Al Hilal prepares to welcome Al Shorta FC of Iraq in their upcoming fixtures in Riyadh. Both teams are focused on building on their performances and securing positive results in the competition.
