In a dramatic clash on April 13, 2026, Al Sadd eliminated Al Hilal from the AFC Champions League, winning a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The match saw both teams display an attacking pace, with Al Hilal initially taking the lead. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving Al Hilal a 1-0 advantage.
However, Al Sadd responded quickly, with Claudinho equalizing just eight minutes later in the 37th minute. The back-and-forth continued as Salem Al-Dawsari restored Al Hilal’s lead in the 55th minute, only for Rafa Mojica to level the score again for Al Sadd in the 58th minute.
Marcus Leonardo then put Al Hilal ahead for the third time in the 67th minute, but Roberto Firmino’s late equalizer for Al Sadd brought the match to a dramatic conclusion at 3-3, forcing the game into penalties.
The penalty shootout ultimately decided the fate of both teams, with Al Sadd securing their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
This match marks a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Sadd, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill of both squads.
Observers noted the high stakes and intensity of the match, reflecting the importance of the AFC Champions League in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific penalties taken during the shootout, but the outcome has left fans eager for the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
