Al-Dawsari the star as Al-Hilal return to top of AFC Champions League Elite group
RIYADH: Al-Hilal strolled to a 4-1 home victory over Iranian side Persepolis on Tuesday to return to the top of their AFC Champions League Elite qualifying group with one game remaining.
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The remainder of the first half was the Salem Al-Dawsari show. With seven minutes remaining, the lively Malcom slipped the ball through a crowded area for Al-Dawsari, the 2022 Asian Player of the Year, to skip past the goalkeeper and slot home from the narrowest of angles.
His second, and his team's fourth, was the best of the night. A minute into first-half stoppage time, Cancelo sent over a beautiful pass from the touchline that made it all the way to a central position, just outside the area, and there was Al-Dawsari charging up to blast the ball into the top corner with the most fluent of first-time shots.
With the game already won, the second half was a much quieter affair. Two minutes from the end, though, Persepolis were awarded a penalty when Ali Al-Bulaihi, who had just come on as a substitute, brought down Issa Alkasir. Giorgi Gvelesiani stepped up to give his team a consolation goal.
This could not spoil the night for Al-Hilal, however, who have 19 points from a possible 21. The result also meant that the penultimate round of games in the group stage was another perfect one for all three representatives of the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr winning on Monday. Al-Ahli trail Al-Hilal only on goal difference, while Al-Nassr are three points behind on 16 points and guaranteed at least third place in the group.
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