Fatigue Cited as Key Factor in Al Hilal's Shock AFC Champions League Elite Defeat to Al Shamal

Al Shamal secured the most significant victory of their AFC Champions League Elite campaign on Tuesday, defeating an understrength Al Hilal 3-1 at Al Bayt Stadium. This marks the Saudi Pro League leaders' first loss in the league phase.

The Qatari side, featuring Riyad Mahrez in his second start, took an early lead through Wesley Said. Al Hilal captain Salem Al Dawsari managed to equalize, but Baghdad Bounedjah restored Al Shamal's advantage three minutes into the second half. Mohamed Ben Romdhane then sealed the memorable win for David Prats' team six minutes later.

The result leaves Al Hilal with six points from three matches, while Al Shamal moves to five points after drawing their opening two games. For Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi, this was his third defeat since taking charge in the summer of 2025, highlighting the impact of a depleted squad. Key midfielders Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic were unavailable, with Gabriel Martinelli injured and Crysencio Summerville suspended.

"We put in a fine first half, but in the second half, because of fatigue, we did not deliver the expected performance," Inzaghi told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al Awsat. "We will return to Riyadh and prepare for our upcoming commitments."

Al Shamal's early lead came in the eighth minute with Said finding the bottom corner after a bright start from the hosts. Al Dawsari, making his first start of the season, leveled the score in the 32nd minute by finishing a counterattack initiated by Theo Hernandez's strong run down the left flank.

However, Al Hilal could not sustain their performance after the interval. Bounedjah's goal three minutes into the second half put Al Shamal back in front, and Ben Romdhane extended the lead with a close-range finish.

Al Dawsari acknowledged Al Hilal's subpar performance, stating, "This result is not satisfactory for us. There were many mistakes, but we will review our mistakes and make up for them in the next match."

In other AFC Champions League Elite action, Shabab Al Ahli joined Al Ain on nine points with a 2-0 victory over Esteghlal in Dubai. Mateusao scored in the 68th minute, and Juan Alvina secured the win six minutes from time. This defeat ended Esteghlal's unbeaten start to the league phase and moved Shabab Al Ahli into second place behind Al Ain.

The top eight teams from each 16-team western and eastern league advance to the knockout stages. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final are scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in April and May.