Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Al Hilal SFC maintained their flawless form in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 with a 3-1 victory over Al Sadd SC on Tuesday, extending their winning streak to three games in Group B.

Goals from Yusuf Akcicek, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic secured another commanding result for Simone Inzaghi’s side, while Al Sadd’s winless run continued after two opening draws.

Missing Joao Cancelo and captain Salem Al Dawsari, Al Hilal made five changes from the lineup that defeated Al Ettifaq 5-0 in the Saudi Pro League last week.

Al Sadd, meanwhile, rotated four players from their previous continental outing against Sharjah FC.

After an even start, Al Hilal took control when Koulibaly set up Akcicek for the opener in the 25th minute following a set-piece scramble. Fifteen minutes later, Ruben Neves’s cross found Koulibaly, who rose highest to double the lead with a header.

Roberto Firmino pulled one back for Al Sadd midway through the second half, slotting home from a Pedro Miguel pass.

However, Milinkovic-Savic restored the two-goal cushion with a sublime free-kick in the 82nd minute, sealing Al Hilal’s third consecutive win of the campaign.

Al Hilal will face Al Gharafa SC on November 3, while Al Sadd meet Al Ahli Saudi FC a day later.