# Al Hilal Secure Narrow Win in Hellenic Clash
Al Hilal made a solid start in their Champions League qualification campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Hellenic in a thrilling encounter. The match, played at a packed King Abdullah Stadium, saw both sides showcase their attacking capabilities and defensive resilience.
The first half was dominated by Al Hilal, who pressed high and looked to exploit Hellenic’s defense. Midfield maestro Riyadh Mazroui was central to their attacking play, threading passes through the middle with precision. However, it was Hellenic who opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a well-taken goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
Al Hilal responded swiftly, drawing level just five minutes later. A perfectly timed through ball from Szymon Kozłowski found Bafetimbi Gomis, who slotted home with calm precision. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and Al Hilal entered halftime with renewed confidence.
The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions. Hellenic threw everything forward in search of a winner, but Al Hilal’s defense held firm. Center-back Joel Campbell was a standout performer, making several crucial tackles and intercepts. His defensive contributions were highlighted by a remarkable 11 tackles, a statistic that speaks to his dedication and work rate.
In the 88th minute, Al Hilal sealed their victory when Gomis converted a penalty,Campeonato Brasileiro Action awarded after Hellenic’s goalkeeper was penalized for handball. The goal, coupled with the man-of-the-match performance by Cancelo, ensured Al Hilal emerged victorious despite being outplayed for large periods.
Riyad Mahrez, who was substituted in the second half, later praised the team’s spirit, saying, “We fought until the last whistle. It wasn’t perfect, but we showed our character.”
The win, coupled with their defensive solidity, gives Al Hilal a strong platform to progress in the Champions League. Hellenic, meanwhile, will need to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
This clash was a testament to Al Hilal’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, marking a positive start to their European journey.