RIYADH — In a stunning display at the King Fahd International Stadium on Monday night, Al Hilal dominated Mumbai City FC with a resounding 6-0 victory in Group D of the AFC Champions League 2023/24, securing valuable three points. Serbian players Aleksander Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic stole the spotlight, contributing four of the six goals. The dynamic duo capitalized on the creative efforts of Mohamed Al Burayk and Saud Abdulhamid, who played pivotal roles in the first four goals, showcasing the prowess of the four-time AFC Champions League winners. Jorge Jesus' squad wasted no time, opening the scoring in the fifth minute when Mohamed Kanno seized on a Mumbai City midfield error, initiating a left-flank attack. Al Burayk's precise cross found Mitrovic unmarked, who calmly tapped in the first goal. Although Salem Al Dawsari appeared to double the lead with a spectacular goal, VAR intervened, overturning the decision due to the ball going out earlier. Mumbai City FC managed a break against the run of play, with Lalengmawia Ralte's attempt thwarted by the well-positioned Mohamed Al Owais. Just before halftime, Mitrovic attempted an audacious 60-yard strike, but Mumbai City keeper Phurba Lechenpa comfortably caught the ball. The second half saw a barrage of Al Hilal chances, with Mitrovic, Kanno, Malcolm, and Al Dawsari missing opportunities. Rostyn Griffiths had a golden chance for Mumbai City FC, heading narrowly wide from Greg Stewart's free-kick. In the 67th minute, Al Burayk and Mitrovic combined again, with a clinical header from the Serbian. Eight minutes later, Milinkovic-Savic marked his AFC Champions League debut with a headed goal from Abdulhamid's cross. Mitrovic completed his hat-trick at the 80th minute with an extravagant overhead kick from Abdulhamid's delivery. Two minutes later, Mitrovic turned provider for Al Burayk, who confidently struck the ball, securing the fifth goal for Al Hilal. Abdulelah Al Malki added the finishing touch with a spectacular long-range strike, sealing a remarkable second-half performance by Al Hilal. Looking ahead, Mumbai City FC will host Al Hilal at the DY Patil Stadium in two weeks, needing a crucial win to bolster their slim chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.
