Tue Nov 05 07:37:35 UTC 2024: ## Al Hilal Dominates AFC Champions League with Mitrovic Hat-trick, Neymar Injured

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:** Al Hilal, the reigning Saudi champions, continued their perfect start to the AFC Champions League with a resounding 3-0 victory over Iran’s Esteghlal on Monday. Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic led the charge with a hat-trick, while Brazilian superstar Neymar made a brief but injury-plagued return to the pitch.

Mitrovic opened the scoring in the first half with a brace, before completing his treble after the break. Neymar, who was making his second appearance since returning from a long-term knee injury, entered the game in the 58th minute with Al Hilal already comfortably ahead. However, his comeback was cut short in the 86th minute after he sustained an apparent hamstring injury.

The victory puts Al Hilal, the record four-time continental champions, top of the West Asia standings with a perfect four wins from four games.

Meanwhile, fellow Saudi club Al Ahli kept pace with their rivals, cruising to a 5-1 victory over Iraqi side Al Shorta. Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez both scored twice, while Feras Al Buraikan added another goal for the Saudi giants.

Firmino, the former Liverpool star, ended an eight-game goalless streak with his first goal of the game, a glancing header in the 14th minute. Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City, also impressed, bagging two goals in quick succession just after the hour mark.

Elsewhere, UAE side Al Wasl and Qatari club Al Sadd played out a 1-1 draw, as did Persepolis of Iran and Al Gharafa of Qatar.

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