ACL: Neymar’s Al Hilal pose big challenge for Al Ain in search for victory

Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)


When the Asian Champions League (ACL) group stage returns, the draw could never be more kinder for holders Al Ain. Off to a bad start, coming with a draw and a loss to show in their first two matches, they take on Al Hilal, visitors from Saudi Arabia, on Monday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Although they sensationally beat Al Hilal in the semi-finals to lifting their second ACL crown in May this year while also enjoy home comfort in the third match day of a season where the format has been revamped, it will not be easy for Hernan Crespo’s men.

Fans of the white and purple, Ainawi, will be wary of a backlash and how their favourite team is prepared for the challenge at a time when victory is very crucial when only top eight teams from each of the two groups of 12 in the ACL’s Elite division advance to the round of 16. 

Making it more daunting is the fact that Brazilian star Neymar has been included in the team list for Monday’s trip. He is yet to play for the team on his comeback so his minutes are going to be very limited if he does. Yet, it is a daunting name training in the opposition camp from Al Ain’s perspective.

Neymar has been out for more than a year with a knee injury, having hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The 32-year-old Brazilian star is now available as confirmed by a statement from the club. He has been walking for quite some months now and even paid a visit to Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in April for the Saudi Super Cup. 

Since his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth approximately €90 million, his time with the Saudi club has been limited to just five appearances after the ACL injury. 

Meanwhile, the last season’s victory in the ACL meant Al Ain have narrowed down their head-to-head deficit record, having defeated Al Hilal six times in 15 meetings on the continental stage, with the Saudi Arabia side have won seven.

The visitors are in top form, too, since that semi-final loss and will be very confident of exacting revenge. The four-time Asian champions are doing well both domestically and on the continental stage.

They notched their seventh straight victory in the Saudi Pro League with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Al Feiha on Friday and will be aiming to defend their perfect start in the ACL as well.