While his former club, PSG, plays this Tuesday its first match of the UEFA Champions League against Dortmund, Neymar Jr played this Monday night his very first match in the Champions League of the AFC (Asian Club Association). The result was, unfortunately, not favorable for the Brazilian and Al-Hilal.
⏰25'Still
scoreless#AlHilal đź’™ #HILvNAV 0-0 pic.twitter.com/HRNduREkBx
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) September 18, 2023
Despite the presence of the Brazilian number 10 at kick-off, but also that of three other major recruits (Ruben Neves, Malcom and Aleksandar Mitrovic), the "Blue Waves" could not do better than a draw (1-1) against the Uzbek club PFC Navbahor Namangan. The teammates of Neymar, who was cautioned in the 60th, were even led for much of the second half, after the visitors' opening score by Toma Tabatadze (52nd). It was a goal seconds from the end of the match by defender Ali Albulayhi that allowed Al-Hilal to avoid defeat (90th + 10).
The Brazilian played his first minutes in the jersey of the Saudi team at the end of last week. A much more conclusive debut, with a large victory in the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh (6-1) and an assist to his credit. The Brazilian's debut on the Asian continental scene had less panache.
