DOHA — Four-time continental champions Al Hilal kicked off their AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 campaign in style on Tuesday, defeating Qatari hosts Al Rayyan 3-1 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The Saudi Pro League side took the lead in the 15th minute when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic powered home a header from Malcom's in-swinging cross. Al Hilal doubled their advantage late in the first half with goals from Joao Cancelo and Marcos Leonardo, effectively securing the win. Al Rayyan's Roger Guedes gave his team a glimmer of hope early in the second half, but Al Hilal failed to extend their lead despite several chances, including a missed penalty from Aleksandar Mitrovic and a shot from Malcom that hit the post. Al Hilal started strong, with Milinkovic-Savic finding the net just 15 minutes into the match. Yassine Bounou made a crucial save shortly after, denying David Garcia's header. Although captain Salem Al Dawsari missed a chance to make it 2-0, Al Hilal's persistence paid off just before halftime. Cancelo smashed a low shot past goalkeeper Paulo Victor in the 42nd minute, and two minutes later, he provided a precise assist for Leonardo to score from close range. Al Rayyan struck back just a minute into the second half through Guedes, who finished a low cross from Achraf Bencharki. Despite Al Rayyan's brief resurgence, Al Hilal remained dominant. They were awarded a penalty when Mitrovic's header was blocked by Julien de Sart's arm, but Victor saved the spot-kick, keeping Al Rayyan's hopes alive. Al Hilal continued to threaten, with Milinkovic-Savic heading over and Malcom hitting the post, but the Saudi side ultimately secured a well-deserved victory to start their campaign with three points.
