Qatar’s DOHA (AP) — Al-Hilal defeated Al-Rayyan, a club in Qatar, 3-1 on Tuesday in the Asian Champions League Elite tournament thanks to a goal from Joao Cancelo, the Saudi Arabian team’s first goal.
Just before halftime, the Portuguese international who was signed by Manchester City scored. Earlier, the four-time Asian champion’s goal was opened by Serbian international Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Al Rayyan’s Roger Guedes opened the score early in the second half, but Aleksandar Mitrovic’s failed penalty gave the Saudis the best chance to score again.
After being diagnosed with a viral virus, Cristiano Ronaldo stayed in Saudi Arabia during Al-Hilal’s opponent from Riyadh, Al-Nassr, and their 1-1 draw with Al-Shorta of Iraq on Monday. The 24 teams in this redesigned tournament are split into two groups of 12, one for each of the east and west geographic zones. Each group plays eight games. Each group’s top eight players advance to the round of 16.
What sets Cancelo apart is his unique blend of attacking and defensive capabilities. His speed allows him to recover quickly on defense, while his technical skills enable him to deliver precise crosses and create scoring opportunities. Moreover, he’s adept at cutting inside, making him a dual threat on the wing. This versatility makes him one of the most sought-after full-backs in football today.
The move to Al Hilal not only provided Cancelo with a new platform but also increased his exposure to different styles of football. His experience in Europe will be valuable in the Saudi league, where he can continue to showcase his skills and leadership on the pitch.
Overall, this transfer is a significant step in Cancelo’s career, highlighting the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League and its ability to attract world-class talent.
