Al Hilal SFC managed to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory against Al Ain FC in a dramatic match that saw Salem Al Dawsari score a remarkable hat trick. The game, which took place at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, was a display of skill and determination from both sides, ultimately resulting in a win for the 10-man Al Hilal team.
The match started off with Al Hilal taking the lead in the 26th minute, courtesy of a low shot from Renan Lodi, assisted by Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, Al Ain quickly equalized in the 39th minute when Soufiane Rahimi seized the opportunity to score after a defensive error during a corner kick.
As the first half drew to a close, Al Hilal surged ahead with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scoring from a Joao Cancelo cross, followed by Al Dawsari slotting home from a tight angle, giving Al Hilal a 2-1 lead going into the break.
The second half saw Al Ain’s Mateo Sanabria pulling one back in the 63rd minute, only for Al Dawsari to once again extend Al Hilal’s lead with a looping shot over Eisa just two minutes later. Rahimi managed to score again in the 67th minute, making it 4-3, but Al Dawsari completed his hat trick with a thunderous strike from outside the area in the 75th minute.
Despite Al Hilal’s Ali Al Bulayhi receiving a red card in the 82nd minute, the team held on for the win, with Rahimi converting a late penalty in injury time. This victory not only avenged Al Hilal’s previous season’s loss to Al Ain in the semi-finals but also solidified their position at the top of the league standings with nine points from their opening games. On the other hand, Al Ain finds themselves with just one point after losing two of their first three matches.
In conclusion, Al Hilal’s star player Salem Al Dawsari’s impressive hat trick and the team’s resilient performance in the face of adversity secured them a memorable victory against Al Ain FC. The win not only maintained their perfect start to the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 season but also sent a clear message to their competitors. With skillful players and strong team spirit, Al Hilal SFC is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the league. Despite the challenges they faced, including playing with ten men and conceding late goals, Al Hilal’s determination and fighting spirit ultimately led them to victory, showcasing their potential for success in the season ahead.
