DOHA — Al Hilal's perfect run in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 ended on Tuesday with a 1-1 draw against Qatar's Al Sadd SC, but the result was enough to secure their spot in the next round. Ali Al Bulayhi gave Al Hilal an early lead in the 10th minute, but Paulo Otavio equalized for the hosts with 19 minutes remaining. The draw moves the Riyadh side to 13 points, two behind Al Ahli Saudi FC and level with city rivals Al Nassr, both of whom have also advanced to the next round. Al Sadd, now with nine points, slipped to fifth place, trailing the three Saudi clubs and Al Wasl, who climbed to fourth after a 3-1 victory over Al Shorta earlier on Tuesday. Al Hilal came out strong, with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salem Al Dawsari creating early chances. The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Mohammed Kanno flicked on an Al Dawsari corner, allowing Al Bulayhi to finish at the far post. Mitrovic missed a golden opportunity to double the lead five minutes later, heading Renan Lodi's corner over the bar. Al Dawsari's precise cross nearly set up Marcos Leonardo six minutes before halftime, but the Brazilian's shot was deflected to safety. Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham kept his side in the game with a crucial save to deny Leonardo just before the interval. The Qatari side came alive in the second half, with Akram Afif testing Yassine Bounou in the 54th minute. Mitrovic hit the crossbar moments later, and Bounou denied Adam Ounas with a sharp save. Al Sadd's persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Afif's delivery found Otavio, who slotted the ball past Bounou to level the score. Tarek Salman struck the woodwork as Al Sadd pushed for a winner, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic saw his late effort deflected wide. Despite a frenetic finish, neither side could find a decisive goal. With the draw, Al Hilal secures progression to the knockout stage alongside Al Nassr and Al Ahli Saudi FC. Al Sadd remains in contention with three games left to play but faces a tougher path to qualification. Al Hilal will look to regain momentum in their next match as they prepare for the knockout rounds, where the competition promises to intensify.
