DUBAI — Al Hilal FC became the first team to advance to the last eight of the 2021 AFC Champions League, scoring either side of half-time to defeat Esteghlal FC 2-0 in Monday’s Round of 16 clash.
Goals from Bafetimbi Gomis and Salem Al Dawsari, both heroes of Al Hilal’s 2019 AFC Champions League-winning side, proved decisive for the Saudi club, who have now reached the quarter-finals in five of the last eight editions of the competition.
While Leonardo Jardim’s side can look forward with optimism to the latter stages of the competition, Esteghlal’s defeat sealed their elimination from the tournament, ending their bid for a first Asian club title since 1991.
With new signings Moussa Marega and Matheus Pereira both in the starting line-up, Al Hilal quickly seized the initiative, keeping the ball to themselves and their opponents pinned inside in their own half, but while Esteghlal were forced to chase shadows during the early exchanges, the Islamic Republic of Iran side burst into life soon after. — Agencies
