ALAIN — In a stunning upset, Al Ain emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over Al Hilal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League semi-final, halting Al Hilal's impressive 34-match winning streak.
Hernan Crespo, the head coach of Al Ain, orchestrated a commanding performance from his team at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. Soufiane Rahimi played a pivotal role, scoring a hat-trick that included two penalties, both confirmed after VAR reviews.
The match was characterized by its fast pace and featured multiple VAR interventions, adding an extra layer of drama and intensity to the encounter.
Al Ain quickly established a dominant position with a three-goal lead, but Al Hilal fought back in the second half, narrowing the deficit.
Despite Al Hilal's efforts to mount a comeback, including a late surge that saw a shot hitting the woodwork, the match concluded with Al Ain holding a solid advantage. This result sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated second leg in Riyadh, promising another thrilling chapter in this fiercely contested semi-final.
