Tue Nov 05 07:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Al Hilal Dominate AFC Champions League with Mitrovic Hat-trick, Neymar Returns Briefly
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:** Al Hilal maintained their perfect start to the AFC Champions League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Esteghlal of Iran, thanks to a hat-trick from Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The match also saw the return of Brazilian superstar Neymar, who came on as a second-half substitute for Al Hilal but left the field early due to a hamstring injury. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had been out for almost a year after suffering a serious knee injury.
Mitrovic put on a show, scoring twice in the first half before adding a third goal in the second. Neymar, who had only recently returned to action, came on in the 58th minute with Al Hilal already 2-0 up. However, he appeared to sustain a thigh injury and was replaced in the 86th minute after receiving treatment on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, fellow Saudi side Al Ahli continued their impressive form, defeating Al Shorta of Iraq 5-1. Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez both scored twice, with Firmino ending an eight-match goalless drought.
These wins keep both Saudi Arabian teams at the top of the standings for West Asia, with Al Hilal leading the way with four victories from four matches and Al Ahli hot on their heels with 12 points from a possible 12.
In other matches, Al Wasl of the UAE drew 1-1 at home against Al Sadd of Qatar, while Persepolis of Iran and Al Gharafa of Qatar played out a 1-1 draw in Dubai.
First Piper 