In brief
Al‑Hilal defeated Al‑Ahli 2‑0 in the Asian Champions League Elite group stage, with England striker Ollie Watkin netting a double. The match kicked off at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on 3 November 2026, giving Al‑Hilal three points and keeping the standings balanced at nine points each.
Al‑Hilal beat Al‑Ahli 2‑0 in the Asian Champions League Elite group stage on 3 November 2026 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, with English striker Ollie Watkin scoring both goals, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The first goal came just six minutes after kickoff, as Watkin capitalised on a defensive error to fire the ball past the Emirati goalkeeper. He added a second in the second half, converting a rebound from a penalty‑kick attempt to seal the win.
Both goals came from shots inside the 12‑meter box, underscoring Al‑Hilal’s clinical finishing. The team’s attack swept through the midfield, forcing the visitors to play out from the back and concede early.
The victory leaves Al‑Hilal with nine points, mirroring Al‑Ahli’s total in the group. With two games remaining, the standings remain tied, making each forthcoming match crucial for group qualification.
Al‑Hilal’s coach praised the squad’s resilience, noting that the team maintained its composure after conceding a defensive error. He highlighted the forwards’ ability to create chances and finish efficiently.
Al‑Ahli’s manager acknowledged the quality of the Saudi side and expressed optimism that the team can learn from the defeat to bounce back in the next fixture. He also commented on the tactical adjustments that could benefit the club moving forward.
