Al Hilal beat Al Gharafa 2-1 in AFC Champions League Elite

RIYADH : Al Hilal began their AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Qatar’s Al Gharafa on Tuesday, with Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scoring for the Saudi side.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute after Crysencio Summerville was sent off for shoving Abdulrahman Al Rasheedi, while Al Gharafa’s Ismael Bennacer was dismissed for pulling the Al Hilal forward’s hair during the ensuing exchange.

Al Gharafa had started positively, with Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saving efforts from Adam Ounas and Jang Hyun-soo.

Al Hilal gradually created chances, with Gabriel Martinelli denied by Ahmed Kone from an acute angle before Milinkovic-Savic headed over from a good position.

Al Rasheedi then conceded a penalty after tripping Saimon Bouabre in the box, and Neves converted in the third minute of first-half stoppage time to put Al Hilal ahead.

Kone kept Al Gharafa in the game after the break, saving attempts from Neves, Martinelli and Bouabre, but Al Hilal doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute.

Neves crossed to the back post and Milinkovic-Savic finished from close range.

Al Gharafa pulled one back in stoppage time when Alaaeddin Hasan scored from outside the box, but Al Hilal held on for three points.

Al Hilal will face Al Sadd on Oct. 13, while Al Gharafa host Iran’s Esteghlal FC on Oct. 12.