In a thrilling encounter at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on April 13, 2026, Al Sadd eliminated Al Hilal from the AFC Champions League after a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring for Al Hilal in the 29th minute, setting the stage for an intense battle. However, Al Sadd responded quickly, with Claudinho equalizing just eight minutes later in the 37th minute.
Al Hilal regained the lead in the second half when Salem Al-Dawsari found the net in the 55th minute. Yet, Al Sadd was relentless, equalizing again through Rafa Mojica in the 58th minute.
As the match progressed, Marcus Leonardo scored for Al Hilal in the 67th minute, pushing the score to 3-2. But Al Sadd’s Roberto Firmino struck back, equalizing once more and sealing the match at 3-3.
The match featured an attacking pace from both sides, showcasing the talent of players like Karim Benzema and Firmino, who kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, the penalty shootout decided the fate of both teams, with Al Sadd emerging victorious and securing their place in the quarter-finals.
This match marks a significant moment in the ongoing AFC Champions League, highlighting the fierce competition between top clubs in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific penalties taken during the shootout, but the outcome has certainly left a mark on both teams’ journeys in the tournament.