MUMBAI — Al Hilal team delegation has arrived in India in anticipation of their clash against Mumbai on Monday, marking the fourth round of group stage matches in the AFC Champions League. The official Al Hilal club account on the X platform shared photos of the team's arrival in India, showcasing a warm reception with traditional Indian attire and local vibes. Unfortunately, Al Hilal player Sergej Milinković-Savić couldn't join the team due to a knee sprain sustained during the match against Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. Preparations and arrangements continue at the DY Patil Stadium, the venue for the upcoming showdown between Mumbai City and Al Hilal. The stadium is undergoing preparations to meet the standards and requests of the Asian Football Confederation. A significant number of individuals are working on placing AFC stickers around the stadium. Additionally, the press conference hall is being equipped with all the necessary items to host the pre and post-match conferences. The benches for both teams are also being arranged to make the stadium suitable for a major football event. The stadium, inaugurated in 2008 with a capacity of 55,000 spectators, primarily serves as a cricket ground. However, it has hosted various football events, including the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, as well as the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup. In 2014, the stadium became the primary home ground for Mumbai City, with a seating capacity of approximately 7,000. However, for AFC Champions League matches, the team has decided to play at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, which has a capacity of 12,000. The change was requested due to the high demand for tickets, especially with the presence of international stars in Al Hilal, notably Brazilian sensation Neymar, whose ACL injury came after the complete sale of match tickets, disappointing many fans eager to see him on the field. Despite Neymar's absence, the stadium is expected to be packed with spectators on match day, as Al Hilal boasts a roster of global stars and holds a prestigious record in Asian football, being one of the most successful and decorated clubs in the continent's history.
