TEHRAN — In a thrilling Group D clash held at Azadi Stadium on Tuesday, Neymar made a remarkable debut with Al-Hilal by scoring a crucial goal that contributed to their impressive 3-0 away victory over Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League.
The match marked a significant contrast in the early fortunes of the two teams in the 2023/24 continental campaign. Nassaji, making their inaugural appearance in the competition, had secured a notable 2-0 win against Mumbai City in Maharashtra. In contrast, Al-Hilal had needed a late goal from Ali Al Bulayhi to salvage a draw at home against Navbahor.
The game started favorably for Al-Hilal as a dynamic partnership between Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic led to a goal, although it was disallowed after VAR review due to an offside call. Mitrovic continued to threaten, testing Nassaji's goalkeeper Mohammad Rashid Mazaheri with a powerful shot that Mazaheri expertly saved.
However, Mazaheri couldn't prevent Mitrovic from heading in a cross delivered by Mohammed Al-Burayk, giving Al-Hilal the lead in the 18th minute.
Tensions flared just before halftime when an altercation between Vahid Mohammedzadeh and Mitrovic escalated into a brawl, resulting in the ejections of Al-Hilal captain Salman Al-Faraj and Nassaji's Amir Houshmand.
In the second half, Michael attempted to extend Al-Hilal's advantage, but Mazaheri made a crucial save. Al-Hilal's goalkeeper, Mohammed Al-Owais, displayed his skills with a diving save to deny Mohammadreza Azadi's powerful strike.
Neymar left a significant mark on the match in the 58th minute, scoring his first goal for Al-Hilal with a skillful finish in a play involving Nasser Al-Dawsari.
Despite Nassaji's efforts, including a shot that hit the crossbar, they couldn't find the back of the net.
Substitute Saleh Al-Shehri sealed the victory for Al-Hilal, redirecting Al-Dawsari's shot into the net.
With their first win of the campaign secured, Al-Hilal now looks ahead to a home match against Mumbai City, while Nassaji seeks redemption in an away clash against Navbahor on Matchday Three.
