Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal maintained their perfect start to the AFC Champions League Elite with a 3-0 victory over Iran’s Esteghlal on Monday, thanks to a hat-trick from Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbian striker scored twice in the first half to give Al Hilal a comfortable lead, before completing his treble in the second half.
Brazil’s Neymar made his second appearance in two weeks for Al Hilal, coming on as a second-half substitute. However, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star appeared to suffer a thigh injury and was replaced after just 28 minutes.
Al Ahli, another Saudi Arabian side, also secured a victory on Monday, defeating Al Shorta of Iraq 5-1. Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez both scored twice for Al Ahli, while Feras Al Buraikan added another.
Elsewhere in the AFC Champions League Elite, UAE’s Al Wasl were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Al Sadd of Qatar, while Iran’s Persepolis and Qatar’s Al Gharafa played out the same scoreline in Dubai.
Al Hilal now top the standings for West Asia with four wins from four, while Al Ahli are second with 12 points from a possible 12.
